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You're listening to Ancient Relics and Their Stories, a special series of A Thousand Wise. In Western culture, the owl is often a creature of fascination. In ancient Greece, they perched alongside Athena, the goddess of wisdom. Its sharp gaze and silent wings symbolizing intelligence and profound insight. Ours frequently appear in literature and film carrying layers of meanings. Think of the Harry Potter series, where owl served as magical messengers, crossing great distances to deliver messages of importance. But what was the meaning of an owl image to a woman in ancient China around 3,000 years ago? Our story features a pair of bronze vessels in the shape of owls. They belong to a prominent woman in the male-dominant society of the late Shang dynasty, whose name, Fu Ha, was carved on the vessels. Owls in that era were revered as a divine bird, symbolizing strength and protection in warfare. Among all the items unearthed in the late Shang dynasty tomb, 105 items spare the name Fu Ha, including a pair of bronze tomahawks, weighing about 10 kilograms each. The words carved on the tomahawk proved that they were weapons used by Fu Ha herself. The bronze owls and tomahawks were evidence that Fu Ha was not just a mother and a queen. She was also a successful general, a goddess of war, and a well-respected leader of the kingdom with political insight. The pair of bronze owl vessels called zuins were unearthed from the tomb of Lady Fu Ha. In the 1970s, an extraordinary archaeological discovery was made in Auyang, Henan province. It was the well-preserved royal tomb of Lady Fu Ha, where they found 1,928 artifacts, including 468 exquisite bronze items. These bronzes, especially the bronze owl zuins and the pair of tomahawks with their intricate crossmanship, have become essential for understanding Shang dynasty history, culture and artistry. The carved scriptures record how Fu Ha rose from being a mother and a queen to the status of a warrior. She led a contingent of 13,000 soldiers to stage an ambush against the enemy of the far kingdom, while her husband, King Wu Din, led other warriors to attack and force far soldiers to where she and her army were secretly hiding. It was a total victory, the first ever recorded ambush in historical records. From then on, she won recognition of King Wu Din, her husband and tribal men, and continued her wartime glory, defeating and wiping out about 20 smaller kingdoms. Picture the first ever female general waving her tomahawks on the battleground. The owl zuins were commissioned by her husband Wu Din to celebrate her priorities and to sum up greater mandates beyond her military esteem. For this, she appears yet again to have shattered social norms, according to inscriptions carved into turtle shells and animal bones unearthed at the tomb. These records review that Fu Ha was also a politician of vision and wisdom. As the high priestess of the Shang dynasty, she presided over state rituals that were critical for maintaining the kingdom's spiritual and political order. These ceremonies reinforced the Shang ruler's authority and connected the people with the divine, making her role central to governance. In addition, Fu Ha managed her own fieften, overseeing agriculture and organizing hunting expeditions both essential for sustaining the dynasty's survival and stability. Her administrative responsibilities demonstrated her capability in governance. Oracle Byrne inscriptions also recalled her meetings with other women, and how she rallied them behind state affairs at war and in peace times. King Wu Din often sought her advice on state matters, indicating her importance in political decision-making. These records highlight her role as a trusted advisor and an integral figure in shaping the kingdom's policies. Her leadership and intellect left a profound mark on every aspect of the Shang dynasty life. But perhaps the most poignant aspect of her story lies in her relationship with her husband Ke Wu Din. Their bond was one of the deep respect and love. Even after her death, Wu Din repeatedly turned to divination, asking the gods, is she well in the afterlife? This enduring devotion has etched their love into the annals of history. Imagine a woman living in a male-dominated society over 3,000 years ago, performing her duties as queen, general, high priestess, and mother simultaneously. Fu Ha was not just a marvel of her time. She was, and remains, a timeless inspiration. Her significance is also reflected in the Bronze Hour Zwins. When Fu Ha's tomb was uncovered, these vessels were found lying quietly at the bottom, partially submerged in muddy water. Carefully excavated and restored, a striking design and solemn presence immediately captivated archaeologists. Such artefacts are rare and extraordinary, a fitting tribute to the legacy of a truly remarkable woman. The hour-shaped design of the Bronze Hour Zwins is a striking example of ancient biomimicry. In Shang dynasty culture, hours were revered as divine birds and symbols of martial power. Their silent flight, nocturnal habits, and predatory efficiency, positioned them as apex counters, creatures of strength, precision, and mystery. The Hour Zwins are celebrated not only for their unique shape, but also for their breathtaking decoration. Every inch of these vessels is adorned with intricate, meticulous patterns. The base features swirling cloud and thunder motives, while the lid bears a commanding mask of the tao tie, a mythical creature of strength and authority. On the front, a sharp beaked bird intertwines with a coiled dragon, their forms symbolizing harmony and power. The bird's crest is etched with delicate feather-like engravings, while a cigada is carved between its beak and chest. The wings are decorated with fine snake-like patterns, and the hour's tail spreads wide, as though ready to take flight. These details are more than artistic flourishes. They represent the height of Shang Brown's craftsmanship, imbuing the vessels with deep cultural and spiritual significance. When it comes to craftsmanship, the Hour Zwins are unparalleled, created using the sophisticated piece-mode casting technique. Individual parts were cast separately and then seamlessly assembled. Their decoration employs a three-layer full-coverage style, a hallmark of the complexity and innovation in Shang Brown's. These techniques not only showcase the ingenuity of ancient craftsmanship but also elevate the Hour Zwins to the status of timeless masterpieces. So what was the purpose of these extraordinary vessels? Experts believe they were ritual objects used to hold wine during sacred ceremonies. In Shang's society, food, livestock and other resources were considered gifts from the heavens and rituals were central to maintaining harmony between humans and the divine. In fact, these rituals were often deemed more significant than warfare itself. It is likely that Lady Fu Hao used these vessels during her lifetime to preside over major ceremonies and after her death, they accompanied her as burial services, continuing to serve her spirit in the afterlife. But the Hour Zwins are more than ceremonial objects. They embodied the reverence for the divine and the deep reflections on life held by the people of the Shang dynasty. As symbols, they captured the extraordinary status and enduring influence of Lady Fu Hao, not just as a leader but also as a cultural icon. The original pair of bronze Hour Zwins consists of two vessels. One is now displayed at the National Museum of China in Beijing while the other is housed at the Henan Museum in Zhengzhou. Standing before these magnificent artifacts, it's impossible not to feel transported through time, hearing echoes of a distant age. These vessels are not only witnesses to Lady Fu Hao's legendary life but also enduring testaments to her wisdom and courage as a female commander. They highlight the creativity and resilience of women in history, reminding us that no matter the era, the strength of women can shape history and illuminate the future. With that, we come to the end of today's episode. Special thanks to the Henan Museum and Museum Guide Wang Zicheng, whose insights help bring the story of Lady Fu Hao's tomb bronze Hour Zuen to life. In our next episode, we'll be exploring the Zhong, a jade vessel from 5,000 years ago which was used during sacrificial and burial ceremonies. I'm Ling Shaoguan and thank you for joining us. Until then, goodbye.