Bronze nao (musical instrument)with elephant design

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Submitted by hn-admin on Tue, 11/21/2017 - 21:18

Bronze nao (musical instrument) with elephant design

Shang Dynasty (1600—1046BC)
Height: 70cm; Width at Mouth: 46.2cm; Weight: 67.25kg

Excavated from the top of Shiguzhai Hill, Laoliangchang town, Ningxiang County, Hunan Province in 1959
The dark brown bronze is in the shape of two tiles folded together. It is a percussion instrument dating back to the Shang Dynasty. When performing with the bronze, the musician would have its stand piece placed on the ground or frame and its mouth towards the sky. By striking the top part at its mouth, one can hear very clear and loud sound.