Ming Dynasty Pottery Roof Tile End Fragment with Taotie Mask ewer Each settlement is headed by

Each settlement is headed by a chief who is also a ritual specialist (nfumu)

honey-brown rattan bindings that firmly anchor the blade in place

Spindle whorls—known as malacates in Aztec Mexico

Rolfe Braun & Ilse Braun

and these artistic traditions continued into the Cypro-Classical period

Ming Dynasty Pottery Roof Tile End Fragment with Taotie Mask ewer Each settlement is headed byMing Dynasty, c. 15501644 AD, China A fascinating unglazed circular high fired earthenware roof tile end, known as a wadang, with its tubular extension now partially lost to time. Formed from a light grey fabric with fine white inclusions, the piece exhibits excellent preservation of detail and craftsmanship. The flat front is decorated in high relief with a ferocious taotie mask a stylized monster face featuring bulging eyes beneath pronounced brows,