3D Gallery of the IHP

Unearthed from sacrificial pit M1005 at Hsi-pei-kang, Yinxu archaeological site, this artifact forms a set with R006851 and was found stacked vertically with a dragon-patterned hoe-shaped implement and a plain, square-shafted spade, all of which were discovered in the southwestern corner of the pit. The shaft is rhomboidal with rounded corners, while the blade is trapezoidal with the upper corners of both sides curving upward. Both sides feature identical decorative motifs. From top to bottom, the shaft is decorated with a taotie motif and cicada motifs. Extending downward to the upper edge of the blade is a serpent motif with a body divided into two sections, which may represent the “feiyi” 肥遺 serpent-like creature described in the Classic of Mountains and Seas 山海經. The decorative motifs and form are similar to those of the serpent-patterned bronze spade excavated from the Tomb of Fu Hao.