Pole finial

myminifactory

Ancient Chinese bronze pole finials, dating back to 12th-11th century BCE, now proudly displayed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art's collection. The finial's description on artsmia.org reads: "Four masks come together in perfect harmony on this bronze masterpiece, originally adorning a pole's end. A powerful taotie mask, with downward-facing C-shaped horns, stands tall on one side of the top. This composite animal's face forms a mask on a human head; its broad nose is characteristic of early masks. On the opposite side, a ram's head bites onto a head resembling a taotie. This remarkable work showcases that men wore zoomorphic masks in ritual ceremonies." For more information, visit https://collections.artsmia.org/art/962/pole-finial-china.