Ceremonial Stem Cup c. 2500

This Ceremonial Stem Cup, crafted by the Longshan culture, offers a glimpse into the ritual practices of Neolithic China. Imagine this delicate yet sturdy artifact, made of dark, burnished clay, being used in ceremonies, perhaps related to ancestor worship, or seasonal changes. Its elegant form, with a chalice-shaped top and a hollow cylindrical stem, suggests a culture valuing refinement even in ritual objects. The openings in the stem, unusual for pottery of this era, might have served a symbolic purpose, perhaps to release the spirits of offerings. As we contemplate this cup, consider the hands that shaped it, the beliefs it represents, and the social structures that dictated its use. It is a tangible reminder of the complex spiritual lives of our ancestors.