Chinese Name:文山岩画汇总
English Name: Summary of Wenshan Rock Paintings
Chinese Name: 昭通市龙安瘦石山摩岩
English Name: Shoushishan Mountain Rock Cliff Carving in Zhaotong City
Overview
Shoushishan, also known locally as “Zhuanbao,” is located in Huoshaoba, the administrative center of Long’an Township, approximately 17.4 kilometers from Yiliang County. The rock cliff carvings at Shoushishan were first designated as a key cultural relic protection unit by Yiliang County in 1986 and later recognized as a key cultural relic protection unit by the Zhaotong City Government in 2003.
Historical Significance
Between 1901 and 1905, during the late Qing Dynasty, the local chieftain Lu Shengtian commissioned the creation of rock carvings on naturally formed peaks and stones. These carvings include over ten inscriptions of poetry, calligraphy, and paintings exchanged with friends. The inscriptions are celebrated for their ancient and elegant script, reflecting significant artistic value. They also illustrate the Yi ethnic group’s engagement with Han culture and provide insight into the social interactions of Yiliang’s upper class in a remote mountain setting.
Artistic and Cultural Value
- Calligraphy and Poetry: The inscriptions feature classical calligraphy and poetry, showcasing the cultural and artistic achievements of the time.
- Cultural Exchange: The carvings highlight the cultural exchange between the Yi ethnic group and Han Chinese during the late Qing Dynasty.
- Historical Documentation: The inscriptions serve as historical records of local social and cultural dynamics during the late Qing Dynasty.
Modern Developments
In 2000, local community leaders initiated a restoration project funded by donations. The renovation included:
- Construction of Facilities: A stone archway, a memorial pavilion, a wind tower, and a viewing walkway were built.
- Artistic Enhancements: Carvings of phoenixes, turtles, dragons, and tigers were added to enhance the site’s aesthetic appeal.
- Cultural Contributions: New poems and couplets were compiled to celebrate the prosperous era and continue the cultural legacy of the region.
Visitor Experience
Shoushishan has become a popular destination for relaxation, historical reflection, and enjoyment. Visitors can explore:
- Ancient Inscriptions: The rock carvings offer a glimpse into the artistic and cultural heritage of the time.
- Scenic Views: The Wind Tower provides panoramic views of Huoshaoba and the surrounding landscape.
- Local Legends: Stories of the Lu family and local folklore enrich the visitor experience.
Ecological and Historical Research
The geographical and natural descriptions recorded in the rock carvings provide valuable data for studying ecological changes in the region. Shoushishan is significant for its:
- Ethnic Cultural Heritage: As one of the most extensive ancient rock carving sites in Yiliang, it offers insights into local cultural practices.
- Artistic and Historical Research: The site is an invaluable historical resource for understanding local history, culture, and environmental changes.
Conclusion
Shoushishan Mountain Rock Cliff Carvings in Long’an Township is a notable cultural and historical site. Its ancient inscriptions, artistic value, and ongoing cultural significance make it a fascinating destination for both historical exploration and recreational enjoyment. The site stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Yiliang County.
Chinese Name: 昭通昭阳区东晋霍承嗣墓壁画
English Name: The Tomb and Murals of Huo Chengsi in Zhaoyang District, Zhaotong
Historical Background
The Tomb of Huo Chengsi, dating from the Eastern Jin Dynasty, was discovered in the spring of 1963 in Zhongzhai, near Houhaizi, northwest of Zhaotong County. It was relocated to the former Confucian Temple in Zhaotong County for preservation in winter 1965. This tomb represents one of the earliest known examples of Eastern Jin Dynasty mural tombs found in Yunnan and is rare in China for its specific era and geographic context.
Huo Chengsi, the tomb’s owner, was a descendant of Huo Jun and Huo Yi. He held positions as the governor of Jianning, Yuecui, and Xinggu prefectures, and also served as a South Yi General and the Inspector of Jiaozhou and Ningzhou. He was posthumously titled Marquis of Chengdu County.
Description of Murals
Tomb Structure:
- Shape: Square, with stone slabs lining the walls and a domed ceiling.
- Decorations: Richly painted murals cover the ceiling and walls, with inscriptions in clerical, regular, and cursive scripts.
The murals are divided into two main layers on each wall, with mythological scenes on the upper layers and realistic depictions on the lower layers. The artwork is characterized by its relatively rough and simplistic style, indicative of common folk artists of the time.
Northern Wall:
- Upper Layer: Depicts a scene with swirling clouds and a distant figure riding a horse and shooting at game. Nearby, a long snake battles with a turtle.
- Lower Layer: Features a portrait of Huo Chengsi himself, seated with a fan, dressed in a red robe and black hat. The inscription on the upper left corner includes eight lines of text with the reign era “Taiyuan,” corresponding to Emperor Xiaowu’s period (386-394 AD). This indicates the tomb was used for soul summoning and sacrifices, reflecting traditional practices from Jingzhou.
Eastern Wall:
- Upper Layer: Shows a running tiger surrounded by birds like cranes, eagles, and pheasants, with a pavilion, stone gate, and deer in the background.
- Lower Layer: Illustrates two rows of people: the upper row consists of thirteen warriors with flags, five in black and eight in white, while the lower row shows five armored warriors on horseback, with a dog running among them.
Western Wall:
- Upper Layer: Features a dragon with a woman offering grass to the dragon, surrounded by birds, beasts, and pavilions.
- Lower Layer: Divided into four rows:
- First Row: Thirteen warriors with curved blades.
- Second and Third Rows: Twenty-seven figures dressed in ethnic Yi attire, some barefoot, indicating a blend of Han and Yi cultures.
- Fourth Row: Four mounted warriors.
This blend of Han and Yi elements in the murals reflects the integration of different ethnic groups, showcasing the historical interactions between Han Chinese and the Yi people.
Southern Wall:
- Structure: The wall includes two stone doors with a horizontal beam above, featuring a single layer of painting with armored warriors, labeled as “Middle Gate Marquis,” suggesting their role in guarding the tomb. There are also Daoist talismans on either side.
Artistic and Historical Significance
While the artistic technique of the murals may be considered rudimentary compared to other historical artworks, they offer valuable insights into various aspects:
- Artistic Value: The murals demonstrate a clear division between the main figure (Huo Chengsi) and other characters, with the use of colors maintaining their vibrancy over centuries.
- Military and Ethnographic Insight: The murals provide detailed depictions of armor, weapons, and the presence of both Han and Yi soldiers, shedding light on the military practices and ethnic composition of the time.
- Societal and Ideological Context: The murals reveal social hierarchies, the status of the deceased, and various mythological and religious themes, offering a glimpse into the social and ideological landscape of the Eastern Jin Dynasty.
Overall, the tomb and its murals are a significant cultural heritage, reflecting the historical, artistic, and ethnic diversity of the period.
Chinese Name: 丘北县Yuezhe镇Yuezhe村狮子山崖画
English Name: Shizishan Cliff Painting in Qiubei County, Wenshan
Overview
The Shizishan Cliff Painting is located on the cliff wall of Caiyun Cave in Shizishan, approximately 3 kilometers east of Yuezhe Village in Yuezhe Town, Qiubei County, Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan Province. This ancient rock art site is an important cultural and historical landmark.
Description of the Cliff Painting
The cliff painting can be divided into two distinct sections, featuring a total of 20 images. The upper section, drawn with black pigment, depicts four warriors clad in armor and holding weapons, along with images of fish, trees, and rectangular shapes. This section dates back to the Song and Ming dynasties, reflecting the cultural elements of that era.
The lower section, created with red pigment (iron oxide), includes images of the sun, fish, humans, and human-like birds. These images are from the late Neolithic period. However, some images in the lower section have been partially covered by those in the upper section, indicating the site’s continuous use over time by different cultures.
Yuezhe Village, Yuezhe Town, Qiubei County
Chinese Name: 曰者村
English Name: Yuezhe Village
Overview
Yuezhe Village, located in Yuezhe Town, Qiubei County, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, is the second-largest Hui ethnic group settlement in Wenshan. In July 2022, it was recognized as a historical and cultural village of Yunnan Province, a demonstration village for ethnic unity and progress, and a “Beautiful Homeland” demonstration village in Wenshan.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Yuezhe Village emphasizes the integration of cultural elements into its economic and social development. The village has successfully combined historical and cultural features, cultural relics, and ethnic customs to enhance its aesthetic and cultural value.
One of the key sites within Yuezhe Village is Hebian Village, a nationally recognized traditional ancient village under the Yuezhe Village Committee. It features 16 well-preserved traditional residences, including the former residence of General Ma Jiwu, a famous anti-Japanese war hero. The village is rich in cultural heritage, with traditional quadrangle courtyards that tell stories of its past, complete with well-preserved wood carvings and stone engravings.
Cultural and Tourism Development
Yuezhe Town has focused on creating a livable and culturally rich environment by restoring old quadrangle courtyards while preserving their historical features. Infrastructure projects have been implemented to improve the quality of life and promote cultural heritage, such as building an ethnic unity square, improving drainage systems, and enhancing landscaping.
Yuezhe Town is home to six officially recognized cultural relics, all located within Yuezhe Village. These include the Shizishan Cliff Painting, Songyunli Mosque’s Chaotang Hall, and the Hongqi Reservoir, all of which are well-known in the region. Yuezhe Town has highlighted its historical and cultural elements through targeted project funding, creating a cultural tourism route that includes “Camellia Village – Shizishan Cliff Painting – Baxin Fruit and Vegetable Base – Hebian Village – Songyunli Mosque Chaotang Hall – Hongqi Reservoir.” This route emphasizes the town’s historical and ethnic features while balancing industrial development and rural revitalization.
Ethnic Diversity and Cultural Activities
Yuezhe Village is a diverse community, home to Han, Hui, Zhuang, Miao, Bai, and Yi ethnic groups. The village is rich in ethnic festivals and folk customs. In recent years, Yuezhe Town has focused on preserving and promoting Zhuang culture in Chahua Village, a resettlement village near the Hongqi Reservoir. The town has incorporated elements of farming and bronze drums into wall paintings and the green and beautiful countryside construction. Through events like intangible cultural heritage embroidery training and the Zhuang Peach Blossom Festival, which includes cultural performances, folk food, and specialty agricultural product displays, the village aims to showcase its ethnic culture, develop rural tourism, and stimulate economic growth.
Cultural Events and Community Involvement
Yuezhe Village actively engages in cultural activities, using events like “Our Festival” and important anniversaries to host various community cultural activities. The village has participated in major county events such as the “Hualian Festival” and the “Peach Blossom Jellyfish National Dance Event.” Additionally, local cultural teams have spontaneously participated in various square dance competitions, maximizing the use of the comprehensive cultural service center to serve the community, enrich the people, and foster a strong sense of community.
Chinese Name: 丘北县红花山岩画
English Name: Honghuashan Cliff Painting in Qiubei County, Wenshan
Overview
The Honghuashan Cliff Painting is an ancient rock art site located on a cliff face approximately 7 kilometers southwest of Honghuashan Village in Yuezhai Town, Qiubei County, Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan Province. The cliff face where the paintings are found is about 50 meters high and 27 meters wide, overlooking a low-lying basin. The rock art covers an area of around 80 square meters.
Description
The Honghuashan Cliff Painting consists of 26 discernible images, with an additional 437 that are faint and difficult to interpret. The largest of these images measures 85 centimeters in height and 40 centimeters in width, while the smallest image has a diameter of just 2 centimeters. The images, all rendered in red pigment, are spread across four distinct sections from left to right. They depict a variety of subjects, including the sun, the moon, humans, and horses. The primary themes of the paintings include hunting, animal domestication, and celestial worship.
The painting technique used in the Honghuashan Cliff Painting is relatively simple, relying on outlines and avoiding detailed representation of human and animal features, such as facial characteristics. Despite the lack of detail, the images are quite expressive and provide a glimpse into the symbolic and spiritual world of the people who created them.
Significance
The Honghuashan Cliff Painting is an important cultural and historical artifact, offering valuable insights into the prehistoric culture of the region. The art reflects the daily life, beliefs, and environment of the people from the Neolithic period. The paintings’ simplicity in technique yet richness in symbolism makes them a significant subject of study for understanding early human artistic expression and the cultural development of ancient societies in Wenshan Prefecture.
Chinese Name: 丘北县黑箐龙岩画
English Name: Heiqinglong Cliff Painting in Qiubei County, Wenshan
Overview
The Heiqinglong Cliff Painting is an ancient rock art site located on the cliff face near Heiqinglong Village beside Dalongshan Cave in Qiubei County, Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan Province. The cliff, where the painting is situated, stands approximately 50 meters high. The rock surface faces southeast, with a northwest orientation.
Description
The Heiqinglong Cliff Painting features various depictions, including figures such as “human-shaped flying birds,” human figures, heads of human figures, and ancient script. The “human-shaped flying bird” motif closely resembles the “任性鸟飞” (flying willful bird) imagery found in the Shizishan Cliff Painting in Qiubei County.
The painting is located in Heiqinglong Natural Village, under the jurisdiction of the Matoushan Village Committee in Jinping Town, Qiubei County. The artwork on the cliff can be divided into three distinct sections:
- First Section: Depicts a figure without hands or feet alongside a bird-like shape.
- Second Section: Contains the “human-shaped flying bird” figure along with three human figures.
- Third Section: Shows symbols such as a sword, banners, an incense burner, an oval-shaped fortress, a road, a three-tiered pavilion with pointed roofs, fish, and trees.
The pigments used in the paintings are primarily red, varying in intensity, suggesting that the images were created at different times. Preliminary analysis indicates that the cliff paintings were likely produced during the Neolithic and Iron Age periods. The Heiqinglong Cliff Painting provides valuable physical evidence for the study of prehistoric human culture and holds significant historical and artistic value.
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