Excavated from the Astana Tombs of the Turpan region in western China, this is the head of a “zhenmushou,” a mythical being that was believed to protect tombs. Images of zhenmushou were typically placed near the tomb entrance, to prevent evil spirits from getting in. Many tombs from the Tang period have two such guardians at the entrance, one with a human face and one with the face of a beast. This zhenmushou has a human face, and a helmet that once had a horn or spike at the top.