Jade pig-dragon: the earliest prototype of loong

Throughout history, the Chinese dragon, referred to as the "loong" in China, has been revered as a cultural emblem. Over the years, various patterns and themes portraying the "loong" have been identified in archaeological relics.

The term "jade pig-dragon," a specific type of jade artifact originating from the Hongshan culture, is regarded as the earliest prototype of the loong. This unique artifact has sparked considerable debates within the archaeology community regarding its appearance, with suggestions ranging from a pig to a dragon or even a bear. Although its purpose remains unclear, there is a widespread belief that the jade pig-dragon might have played a significant role in religious ceremonies.

The Hongshan culture was mainly found in the southeastern part of what is now the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the southwestern part of Liaoning Province, and the northern part of Hebei Province, representing a renowned Neolithic culture in northern China dating back 5,000 to 6,500 years ago. Among its distinguishing features is the crafting and use of jade artifacts.

Jade pig-dragons have one or two round holes on their backs, possibly for attaching ornaments or strings for suspension. Some of them were found positioned on the chests of the deceased, and the likelihood of them being used as ornaments is significant. However, larger jade pig-dragons with a height exceeding 15 centimeters are considered impractical for wearing due to their weight. Therefore, many scholars believe that the jade pig-dragon is not merely an ornament, but rather a sacred object, representing a totemic symbol revered by the Hongshan culture ancestors.

In addition to the "jade pig-dragon," other jade artifacts with embryonic designs such as the "jade bird-dragon" and the "jade fish-dragon" have been unearthed from sites linked to the Hongshan culture, reflecting the early inhabitants' understanding of life within the natural process.