Date: Xia dynasty (2070-1600 BC)
Provenance: Unearthed at the Nanzhai site, Yichuan county, Luoyang, Henan province
Measurements: Height: 32 cm, Mouth diameter: 5.6 cm, Foot diameter: 12.8 cm

Unearthed in Nanzhai, Yichuan, this black pottery kettle-shaped he vessel is a wine container from the Xia Dynasty. Unlike typical pottery he, this distinctive piece has a sealed top and was called a "sealed-top he". The front part of the top cover has a tube-like spout with a symmetrical rivet design. The spout resembles an elephant's trunk, giving the vessel the name of "elephant-trunk he" or "animal-head he".

The overall kettle shape of the vessel resembles a rooster with an upright head, featuring a unique design. It is not a daily utensil but an important ritual vessel known as a "chicken wine vessel" used during Xia Dynasty sacrificial ceremonies. The identification of this sacrificial vessel for the rite of pouring liquor for a libation (guan li) serves as compelling evidence for the study of Xia Dynasty history.