殷墟西北岡2017號車馬坑內,埋藏有兩具馬頭骨及馬羈組的青銅裝飾件。這件器物可能是馬冠飾,以青銅為底,先鑄出獸面圖案的輪廓線,再切割綠松石,鑲嵌上去。他的眼珠用了切割打磨成半圓形的綠松石,突起於器表,看起來栩栩如生。器物背面有兩梁交叉,呈X形,可以用來穿繫皮革,裝飾在馬的額頭上,是坑中最精美完整的一件。
Animal-mask bridle ornament with turquoise inlay
Two sets of horse skulls, bridles and associated bronze ornaments been excavated from the Hsi-pei-kang 2017 chariot-and-horse pit at Yinxu site. This animal-mask shaped bronze artifact is a face piece of a horse bridle which is embellished with turquoise inlay. Its bulging eyeballs are made with polished turquoise pieces which are raised above the surface, which brings the animal-mask to life. On the back of the artifact are two crisscrossing beams, that can be used for lashing and securing the mask in place on the forehead of a horse. This artifact is the most exquisite and intact piece unearthed from the chariot-and-horse pit.
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