Vessel
1300-1050 BC
Bronze
Height 21 cm
Museum no. M.5-1935

This figure of an owl represents a type of ritual bronze vessel called zun, used for storing wine in tombs in order that the dead could continue offering sacrifices to the gods and ancestors. Bronze was one of the most important of the many materials used for grave goods. Good burials showed gratitude to the spirits of the universe and established the reputation of the dead ones in the afterworld.