The Xiaohongnaihai Stone Figure Tomb

The Xiaohongnaihai Stone Figure Tomb

The Xiaohongnaihai Stone Figure Tomb is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Xiaohongnaihai Stone Figure Tomb

The Xiaohongnaihai Stone Figure Tomb is located in the grasslands 5 kilometers south of Zhaosu County. In front of the tomb stands a stone figure carved from granite, depicting a typical warrior. On the lower right side of the waist is an inscription in Sogdian script. The statue has a solemn expression and is vividly lifelike. However, due to years of wind and rain erosion, the stone figure has suffered varying degrees of corrosion, and the Sogdian inscriptions have gradually faded. Moreover, the lack of planned visiting routes and supporting facilities in the surrounding area has led to increased human damage. The historical remains and written records of the Xiaohongnaihai Stone Figure Tomb are of great importance, and there is an urgent need to protect the site as a whole.

The Xiaohongnaihai Stone Figure and its inscriptions are preliminarily estimated by experts to date back to the 6th–7th centuries. The stone figure is an artistic masterpiece created by ancient nomadic peoples and provides important clues for studying the history and culture of the ancient nomadic tribes in the Ili region. Sogdian inscriptions from this period are extremely rare, and the inscriptions on the stone figure hold significant artistic and historical research value for understanding the evolution of the Sogdian script.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units