Crafted in a vigorous abstract style, this superb
creature probably served a ritual purpose. The
slot in his back and the hinged opening on his
belly suggest that he was meant to contain
something which could be retrieved at a later
point, much as a modern piggy bank or ballot
box might. Though his exact function remains a
mystery, it is clear that an early bronze of this
size and splendor was a rare and costly treasure
in its own time: in our age, it is even more so.
- (FZ.117)
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