Nomadic rock paintings discovered in Bayanhot

Updated: Mar 23, 2017 chinadaily.com.cn Print

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Over 200 rock paintings were recently discovered in Bayanhot, and are predicted to be valuable for studying nomadic culture, according to the cultural heritage department of Alxa Left Banner.

The newfound rock paintings were found on the alluvial fans, the western side of the Helan Mountains in Alxa Left Banner, Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

The rock paintings are scattered across a nearly 12 square kilometer area, and currently being called the ‘Bayanhot Rock Paintings’ by experts.

“Most rock paintings adopt primeval stone-carving techniques, depicting totems, argali, bharal, leopards and concentric circles,” said Li Xiaowei, director of the cultural heritage department of Alxa Left Banner. “Judging from the carving methods and images, some rock paintings date from the late Neolithic Age to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).”

Prior Bayanhot rock paintings usually feature primitive ritual ceremonies, reflecting the worship of ancient ancestors, celestial bodies and fierce animals. These paintings highlight the social structure and living style of ancient nomadic herdsmen.

Local experts specializing in cultural relics have currently registered 32 locations in Bayanhot where rock paintings have been discovered.