Luman Gully Petroglyphs

Luman Gully Petroglyphs

Introduction Located about 4 kilometers inside Luman Gully in Tianpeng Township, Tianjun County, a total of three sites have been discovered. One is on the north side of the mountain root, where more than 50 animal figures in various forms are carved on a large rock of about 3 square meters; one is in the middle with fewer images, featuring a total of 7 animal figures; one is on the south side, which is rather unique, with a total of 19 animal figures, mainly camels, all facing the same direction, depicting the scene of camels moving through the desert.

All three petroglyph sites were created by carving and hammering. The animal figures are simple yet bold, with rigorous composition and lifelike imagery. The main animals depicted include camels, horses, cattle, pigs, goats, argali, dogs, and wolves. The overall scene reflects the craftsman’s realistic portrayal of the communal life of plateau animals. Research suggests that the petroglyphs were created during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, when Buddhism was prevalent in the region.

Qinghai Delingha