The Context podcast

When Tigers Ruled the Wild: The Story Behind the Tiger-Devouring-Man Bronze

5/5/2026

The Context

0:00

16:34

Today, we’ll talk about a rare bronze ritual vessel from the Shang dynasty decorated with the striking image of a tiger devouring a human, and how this powerful motif reveals ancient Chinese beliefs about nature, sacrifice, shamanism, and the mysterious connection between humans, animals, and the spirit world.

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