Ancient rock paintings

Ancient rock paintings

Ancient rock paintings

Scattered across the towering mountains of the vast Ili River Valley from west to east are ancient rock paintings left over from the Middle Ages. Along the northern bank of the Gongnaisi River, stretching nearly 100 kilometers from the Gongnaisi Breeding Sheep Farm to the Ili Iron Mine, rock paintings have been discovered in almost every valley, forming a rare rock painting corridor. There are two relatively concentrated areas: one is located deep in the mountains about five kilometers north of Zeketai Town in Xinyuan County, known as the Zeketai Rock Paintings, also called the Keziletas Tuo Rock Paintings because they are carved on the Keziletas Tuo red rocks. The other is situated in the Kalahand Gully of the Awulale Mountain, about 12 kilometers east of the Gongnaisi Breeding Sheep Farm, hence named the Kalahand Gully Rock Paintings.

The Zeketai Rock Paintings are among the larger rock painting clusters in Xinyuan. Hidden in the deep mountains and ancient pine forests, they are located atop a rocky peak. The path up the mountain is steep, winding, and challenging, but the view from above is spectacular. The Zeketai Rock Paintings feature the largest carvings, approximately ten meters high and seven meters wide. On the smooth stone surface, nearly a thousand images of cattle, camels, horses, sheep, and various wild animals are carved, along with scenes of hunters in battle and celebrations afterward. The depictions are primitive yet vivid, rich in content, with some figures even showing exposed genitalia, hinting at the fertility and sexual worship of the time. The carvings are made on steep cliffs with naturally smooth surfaces and natural fissures. The paintings face south and were created from west to east. The largest section is about ten meters long and two meters wide. The content is closely related to the life, hunting, and religious beliefs of the Kazakh people over thousands of years. The designs include domesticated animals such as goats, deer, dogs, horses, and camels, as well as hunting scenes essential to the nomadic lifestyle and totem symbols representing primitive religious beliefs. These carvings, made with simple techniques, are clear and lifelike, offering a glimpse into the historical lives of the Kazakh nomads. The fact that these ancient rock paintings were carved on cliffs dozens of meters high is truly a marvel of craftsmanship and remains puzzling.

Most of these rock paintings were carved, while some were painted. Some retain the natural colors of the rocks, and despite years of sun exposure and weathering, the painted ones remain vibrant. In the lower left corner of one large painting, there is a vertical line of rock script composed of more than ten different characters. The meaning of these characters remains undetermined. In recent years, some archaeologists have suggested they might be ancient Tibetan script, possibly representing the six-syllable mantra from Buddhist scriptures, symbolizing blessings and good fortune.

Interestingly, at the foot of the northern mountain, facing these rock paintings, lies the site of an ancient military settlement. The large bluestones used to build the settlement walls bear a striking resemblance to the rocks of the northern mountain. It’s speculated that soldiers stationed here may have carved these rock paintings to commemorate their western expedition. However, the exact details await further historical research and verification.

The world of rock paintings is a bold, fearless, and innocent realm—free from the seriousness of Confucianism or the mysticism of Taoism, yet tinged with a touch of shamanistic fervor. The paintings exude a wild energy, full of movement, speed, hunting, and battle. Both humans and animals are depicted in action, showcasing the preciousness of life and the power of strength. They represent the aspirations of a rising and soaring people, as well as a tribute to destiny, strength, and life itself, revealing the courage and vitality of the ancient grassland dwellers.

By viewing these ancient rock paintings, you will transcend time and space, returning to the ancient Wusun Kingdom, experiencing the nomadic way of life, witnessing the changes of the world, and immersing yourself in the essence of ancient culture.