Statuette in bronze of the Prince of Millet, Hou Ji.
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Image courtesy of Musee Guimet, Paris, france.

Hou Ji

Hou Ji was originally a Chinese hero of royal descent. His ancestor was Huang Di. Tang, the founder of the Shang dynasty (c. 1600-1066 B.C.), made him Prince of the Millet. He was said to be also the ancestor of the Zhou dynasty (1066-221 B.C.) that followed the Shang.

After bringing the knowledge of agriculture to the Chinese, Hou Ji was worshipped as a god of the Earth or god of cereals.

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