Tuleke Rock Carvings

Tuleke Rock Carvings

Introduction: The Tuleke Rock Carvings are located on metamorphic phyllite rocks on the eastern shore of the First Bay of Kanas Lake. The bedrock, shaped by ancient glacial activity, forms a unique landform known as a roche moutonnée, upon which the rock carvings are engraved.

The rock carvings are situated in a prime location, offering a frontal view of the lake and backed by the beautiful and majestic summer pastures. There are currently two separate rock carving sites, approximately 50 meters apart. The first site is located within polished grooves on the back of the roche moutonnée, covering an area of 3 square meters. Most of the carvings on this site are blurred, with only a few discernible patterns depicting animals such as hedgehogs, wild boars, goats, and snowcocks. The second site is found on a small steep slope on the back of the roche moutonnée, measuring 110 by 94 square centimeters. The patterns here are mostly clear and visible, arranged in two rows — eight on the upper row and nine on the lower. The carvings primarily feature animals such as horses, goats, wolves, dogs, deer, and snowcocks. The largest depiction is of a sika deer, measuring 23 by 10 by 8 centimeters, with upward-curving antlers and eyes gazing downward, exuding a calm and leisurely demeanor. The overall craftsmanship of the rock carvings is delicate and simple, with graceful designs that authentically reflect the life of nomadic peoples.

Xinjiang Hemu - Kanas