Rock carvings dating back 2,500 to 3,000 years have been unearthed in Heshuo County, located in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. These grassland rock carvings, scattered across a natural stone wall, comprise 71 distinct patterns depicting scenes of hunting, nomadic life, and rituals. This discovery marks the first time such petroglyphs have been found in the northern mountainous area of Heshuo, highlighting their significant contribution to the study of ancient nomadic life, culture, and art in the Tianshan Mountain range of Xinjiang.
Petroglyphs are ancient forms of rock art created by carving, incising, or abrading rock surfaces such as cliffs, caves, and boulders. They vary widely in complexity, style, and age, offering insights into past civilizations and their practices. “This discovery of petroglyphs in Heshuo’s northern mountain region is unprecedented, indicating long-term human habitation in this area,” remarked experts.
The carvings predominantly depict wild creatures in lifelike forms, providing valuable evidence for understanding the productivity, lifestyle, and artistic expressions of prehistoric nomads in the Tianshan Mountain range. Northwest China, encompassing provinces like Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia, Qinghai, and Xinjiang, has long been a hotbed of archaeological discoveries. From the renowned Terracotta Army near Xi’an to the ancient Mogao Caves near Dunhuang, this region continues to yield a wealth of treasures that illuminate millennia of Chinese civilization.
The Terracotta Army, a collection of life-sized clay soldiers and horses crafted to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife, stands as one of the region’s most celebrated finds. Similarly, the Mogao Caves showcase intricate Buddhist temples adorned with vibrant murals that reflect centuries of religious devotion and artistic achievement.
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Moreover, Northwest China’s historical significance extends to its pivotal role in the ancient Silk Road, facilitating trade and cultural exchange between China, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Archaeological sites along these routes continue to unveil insights into the diverse exchanges of goods, ideas, and cultures that shaped Eurasian history.
In Xinjiang, ancient sites such as the city of Jiaohe and the Astana Graves offer glimpses into over two millennia of human civilization. Jiaohe stands as a testament to ancient urban planning and social organisation, while the Astana Graves provide poignant evidence of burial customs spanning the Tang to Yuan dynasties. Recent discoveries, including well-preserved mummies in the Tarim Basin of Xinjiang, have fascinated researchers worldwide, shedding light on the diverse peoples and cultures that once thrived in this remote part of China.
Archaeological excavations around Qinghai Lake have also unearthed artefacts dating back to prehistoric times, providing crucial clues about early human settlements and their adaptation to the natural environment. In addition to these discoveries, southwestern China has also contributed significantly to China’s archaeological wealth. In 2022, a bronze altar and a dragon with a pig’s nose were among a trove of items discovered in sacrificial pits in Sanxingdui, shedding new light on the buried secrets of an ancient Chinese civilization.
A team including academics from Peking University and Sichuan University found thousands of items, including intricate bronze, gold, and jade artefacts, along with the unprecedented discovery of 10 bronzes. Experts estimate these finds date back 3,000 to 4,500 years. Sanxingdui is considered one of China’s key archaeological sites, believed to have belonged to the ancient Shu kingdom, which dates back 4,800 years and lasted for 2,000 years. The ongoing exploration and study of Northwest China’s rich archaeological heritage underscore its enduring significance in unravelling the complexities of ancient civilizations and their enduring legacies.
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