Cross-tube with Human Head Mask, 10th-9th century BCE, H.2-1/16 x W.1-3/4 x D.7/16 in., Bronze, China, 10th-9th century BCE, It is rare to find the human face used as a motif in early Chinese bronzes. This small fitting also exhibits four simplified t'ao-t'ieh masks in rounded relief at the end of each tube. The object most likely served to connect the leather straps of a horse bridle. The internment of horses in royal and aristocratic bronze age tombs was relatively common in ancient China and a great number of bronze chariot and harness fittings have been retrieved from such burials.