4,000-year-old petroglyphs discovered in Inner Mongolia

Several 4,000-year-old petroglyphs depicting the celebration of birth in a tribe have been discovered in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, archaeologists said.

Credit: Xinhua

The petroglyphs were found on two sides of a giant rock in Mandela township in Alxa Right Banner. Many human figures dancing hand in hand are carved on one side, while three people in a row, a female in the middle, are on the other side, according to the local cultural relics bureau.

"These well-preserved petroglyphs depict a tribe celebrating the birth of a child," said Wu Yi from the bureau. "They record the ancient tribes' reverence for the prosperity and circle of life."

Credit: Xinhua

Wu said the petroglyphs' unique content can offer precious materials for Chinese archaeological and anthropological research.

More than 2,000 petroglyphs have been found in Mandela township. Local authorities have hired local herders to patrol on the sites for better protection of the petroglyphs.

Credit: Xinhua

More than 1,200 petroglyphs, scattered in over 100 counties in 28 provinces and regions, have been found and recorded across China, according to statistics released by the Chinese Rock Art Association in 2017.

Source: Xinhua News Agency [April 02, 2019]