Frog-shaped jade ornament

The Frog-shaped jade ornament was unearthed in the archaeological site at Yenliao, Hualien, Taiwan in 1994. It can be dated back to 2,800 to 2,300 years ago (B.P.; or 851-351 BC). It is one of the most significant jade ornaments of the Huakangshan Culture during the Neolithic period. It is thought to have been used as a pendant.

This ornament, made of nephrite (Taiwanese jade) is 36.4 mm in length and 27 mm in width. The shape is reminiscent of a frog, with a pair of big, round eyes, as well as forking limbs. There is a notch on the head, possibly to allow the ornament to be worn on a string. The ornament is unique and rare for being a complete animal-shaped jade ornament dating from prehistoric Taiwan. It demonstrates the jade production techniques of prehistoric Taiwan, and was therefore designated as a national treasure in 2014. It is now held in the National Museum of Prehistory collections.