Bird-shaped Spacer Bead, length 1.2 cm, width 1 cm, weight 11 g. A component of noble ornaments of the northern nomadic peoples (Xiongnu) from the Warring States Period to the Han Dynasty, unearthed from grassland culture tombs. Pure gold, made by repoussé and chasing techniques. The bird-shaped outline is formed by repoussé on thin gold sheets with chased feather textures, and a central perforation for stringing; the realistic shape embodies the characteristics of grassland culture. Warring States Period to Han Dynasty (5th century BC – 3rd century AD). Gold spacer beads of nomadic peoples are physical evidence of cultural exchanges on the Silk Road; this pure gold and well-preserved piece holds great significance for the study of early ethnic exchanges, and is rare in existence.