Tangbale Rock Carvings

Tangbale Rock Carvings

The Tangbale Rock Carvings in Fuyun County are located in Tangbaletas Village, Kalbulegen Township, approximately 60 kilometers from the county seat. Situated about 25 meters above the ground on the mountainside at an altitude of 1020 meters, there is a cave that is 11.5 meters high, 11.8 meters deep, and 20 meters wide, with its entrance facing the rising sun in the east. The cave ceiling and the rock walls on both sides are steep. Looking up at the entire cave, its interior is spacious enough to accommodate dozens of people standing side by side. To the south of the cave lies a gently sloping grassy meadow that descends downhill. This area could gather crowds and served as a site for religious and ceremonial activities. Perched high above, the cave has a mysterious atmosphere.

Inside the cave are numerous texts, symbols, depictions of male and female reproductive organs, animals, hunting scenes, and celebratory singing events painted with brown dye. Among them, the largest cave may have formed during the Paleolithic Age, dating back approximately 6,000 to 10,000 years or even earlier. The painted rock art in the cave reflects characteristics of a matriarchal society.