Bardaku Petroglyphs

Bardaku Petroglyphs

Bardaku Petroglyphs

The Youmin County area boasts abundant ancient petroglyph resources, including the Qiuqutu Petroglyphs, Heishantou Petroglyphs, and Hongshiquan Petroglyphs. Among these, the most prominent is the Bardakuer Ancient Petroglyphs Cluster, located 23 kilometers southwest of Youmin County. On a slightly elevated expanse of reddish-brown rock, higher than the surrounding hills, lies an ancient petroglyph cluster about 1,000 meters in width and 50 meters in height, featuring over 40 sites with more than 500 individual petroglyphs.

According to the latest research by Xinjiang archaeological experts, these petroglyphs date back 3,600–4,000 years and are remnants of the ancient Turkic peoples who once inhabited the region. The carvings prominently depict reverence for fertility and bold representations of reproduction, reflecting the ancient locals' worship of fertility and their hope for a thriving tribal population. They also vividly illustrate scenes of herding, daily life, and entertainment, bringing to life the self-sufficient, primitive pastoral society of the time. Additionally, there are depictions of animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, deer, and bears. The lines are graceful, the images lifelike, and the materials used are unique, giving the petroglyphs high artistic and archaeological value. They serve as a testament to grassland culture, showcasing the lives of the ancient peoples of the steppe and marking the long history of the region. In 2003, the petroglyphs were designated as part of the fifth batch of cultural heritage protection sites by the autonomous region.