The Frog-shaped jade ornament is an ancient artifact 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 millimetres (1.43 in) in length and 27 millimetres (1.1 in) 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.
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