4,000-Year-Old Rock Carvings Discovered in Gansu Province, China, Reveal Ancient Artistic and Cultural Practices

Two rock carvings, dating back approximately 3,000 to 4,000 years, were found in Gansu Province, Northwest China. One carving measures 2.4 meters in height and 3.9 meters in width and contains depictions of birds, animals, and pastures. The other is slightly smaller and contains five carvings. Experts suggest that the carvings are linked to the cultural relics of the Pingchuan area, reflecting the early pastoral activities etched onto the rock faces. Guo Mingcheng, a researcher, noted the carvings offer a glimpse into the reverence held by ancient residents. Since the 1970s, several rock carvings have been discovered on walls in Gansu. Researchers believe that these carvings provide valuable insights into the lives, history, and culture of ancient ancestors, indicating that Gansu was a crucial area for rock carvings. Authorities plan to establish a database of digital rock carvings in Gansu, with a 2023 survey completing the collection of data with a precision of 72 points per stone artifact. The rock carvings in Gansu are believed to have been produced using hard stone tools or river valleys, reflecting the primitive characteristics of the era and the need to protect these artifacts.