The First Plough of Military Reclamation

The First Plough of Military Reclamation

The statue "The First Plough of Military Reclamation" is located in the Recreation Square of Shihezi, forming a triangular arrangement with the "New Chapter on the Frontier" sculpture group to its left and the central "General Sculpture." It stands out vividly amidst the green trees and blooming flowers.

"The First Plough of Military Reclamation" was crafted in forged copper, measuring 7 meters in length and 2.7 meters in height, with a base made of grey marble that is 9 meters long and 1.4 meters high. The artists aimed to evoke memories of the pioneering era through this artwork, adopting a solemn and profound tone. The three bare-bodied pioneer soldiers, straining to pull the plough, depict an image familiar and deeply resonant with the old military settlers—simple military uniforms, primitive farming tools, and heavy, resolute strides all convey the extremely harsh conditions of those early years. Through bold, vigorous, and expressive exaggeration, the artists celebrate the tenacity and resilience of humans in their struggle against nature.

"The First Plough of Military Reclamation" was unveiled in September 1985, on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Originally named "The Ancestors," it was primarily funded and constructed by the Shihezi Municipal Government. This site has since become a venue for revolutionary tradition education and patriotic education.