The purpose of a cobra-shaped clay pen found in Taiwan has been revealed.

Snake-like artifact dates back 4 thousand years

According to a report by Newsweek, a snake-shaped clay vessel handle was discovered in northwestern Taiwan, at a site where a large-scale stone tool processing center was also found. Archaeologist Chiu noted that the “snake” handle resembles a cobra with its head raised and convex folds of skin on the head and neck.

Archaeologists from National Tsinghua University in Taiwan have discovered a snake-shaped ceramic pen that is about 4,000 years old. Researchers unearthed the find in a sand dune on the northwestern coast of the island. In addition, numerous prehistoric archaeological artifacts from Taiwan have been found along the coast. Among them is an area of ​​extensive stone tool processing, according to Hong-Lin Chiu. Several stone flakes and cores have also been discovered in this region.

Shaped like a cobra with its upper torso raised and its hood spread, ready to strike, the object may have served as something of a handle for a larger object such as a vessel or ceremonial jug. The artifact represents the Taiwanese cobra, which, according to Heritage Daily, “is the only species of cobra in the family Elapidae native to Taiwan.”

“Snakes are often seen as symbolic animals in religion, mythology and literature and are considered a bridge between heaven and man due to their ability to shed their skin,” added Hong-Lin Chiu.

Researchers determined the age of the snake-shaped artifact using radiocarbon dating techniques.

In ancient societies, snakes’ molting was believed to symbolize the transition from life to death, reproduction, or change. Many ancient societies in East Asia and other parts of the world share common snake symbolism.

“This 4,000-year-old ceramic snake-shaped pen has a striking cobra-like figure with an upraised head and prominent skin folds on the head and neck. We believe this unfinished artifact may have been pottery used for ritual purposes,” Chiu said.

Scientists believe this snake-shaped clay object can be interpreted as a ceremonial tool used by shamans of ancient tribes to perform rituals, illustrating how animal images were incorporated into ceremonial tools in ancient societies, shaping their belief systems and knowledge.

“This reflects that ancient societies included images of animals in ritual sacrificial vessels to demonstrate their beliefs and cognitive systems,” the archaeologist commented.

Similar snake-themed artifacts have been discovered in other regions, highlighting the widespread significance of snake images in ancient cultures. Let us recall that in September last year, archaeologists in Mexico discovered a crypt lid that was decorated with an image of a snake. In 2021, a wooden staff carved in the shape of a snake was found in southwestern Finland.