Museum Updates
Ancient beast-mask patterned bronze handle resembles selfie stick
Updated: Jul 6, 2026
China Bound
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A selfie stick from 3,000 years ago? This Shang Dynasty (c.16th century-11th century BC) bronze artifact is actually an ancient horse-driving tool known as the beast-mask patterned ce handle. The socket at the top once held a sharp attachment used to urge horses forward, making it a physical example of the Chinese expression "bian ce" (to spur on or encourage).
Unearthed in Shanxi in 1985, this bronze ware with finely cast decorations is now housed at Shanxi Museum.
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