This coarsely sculpted representative pre-dynastic or archaic jade figure with headdress holding a small human head is possibly from the Shang Dynasty (1600 to 1046 bce). This sculpture is 7-1/2 inches tall, 4 inches wide, and 4-5/8 inches deep. This stone figure depicts the power displayed by the Shang, and an economy that was, in part, based on slavery. People that were captured in warfare were kept in captivity to be sacrificed, primarily through ritual decapitation, to ancestors and well-defined earth or nature deities or spirits. The ritual practice persisted through the Zhou and pre-Han Warring States period (1046 – 256 bce).

The sculpture is sound with no noted defects. The nephrite exhibits surface alteration from age and patina from professional restoration. From a private collection, this artifact is clean, however will be sold without further restoration (as is).