the circular waisted drum cowrie shell container, enriched with low relief geometric bands and reserves enclosing various human and animal figures, the sides fitted with fully realized standing tiger handles, surmounted by conforming flaring flat cover fitted with six circling fully realized animated bull figures; the whole raised on tripod hairy paw feet and retaining traces of archeological patination

Possibly Western Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 8 CE)  
Overall Dimensions: 13”deep  x 16” wide  x 19” high

Cowrie shells were used as currency in ancient China.  This container, featuring  cattle and tigers are symbols of wealth and influence in an agricultural society.

The container was made by the Dian people of Yunnan, and suggest that exchange between bronze cultures of the Central Plain and Southwest China were occurring at this time.

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