Guess what, adventurers! 🌟 We're diving into the ancient world of China's earliest dragons—or should we say, 'loong'! 🐉
Throughout history, the loong has been a symbol of power and luck in Chinese culture. But did you know that the earliest prototype of this legendary creature might be a mysterious jade artifact called the 'jade pig-dragon'? 🐷🐉
Discovered in archaeological sites, this unique piece has puzzled historians and sparked epic debates. Is it a pig? A dragon? Or perhaps a bear? 🤔 While its true appearance remains a mystery, one thing's for sure—the jade pig-dragon is a fascinating piece from the Hongshan culture that's worth exploring!
The Hongshan culture, dating back 5,000 to 6,500 years ago, was found in what is now the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Liaoning Province, and Hebei Province. These ancient artisans were masters of jade crafting, creating stunning artifacts that still captivate us today. 💎✨
Although we may not fully understand the purpose of the jade pig-dragon, many believe it played a significant role in religious ceremonies. Just imagine the rituals and stories shared among people thousands of years ago! 🕯️
So next time you think of dragons, remember the jade pig-dragon—the ancient treasure that might just be the original loong! 🐉❤️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com