Ancient 10,000-Year-Old Petroglyphs in China Face Destruction-Researchers Race to Prevent Irreversible Loss
In the heart of China's Gobi Desert lies the majestic Helan Mountain, home to over 20,000 ancient rock carvings that date back thousands of years. These carvings, which likely played a significant role in rituals or ceremonies, serve as physical representations of the sacred or as tools for communication with the gods [1][2][3].
To preserve this invaluable heritage, a team of experts has taken on the urgent task of documenting and protecting these carvings [2]. Modern digital archiving methods are at the forefront of this effort, combining extensive field surveys, high-resolution photography, and precise geolocation recording [1]. Led by Xu Xiaolong, the team meticulously photographs each motif and records its exact location, creating a detailed, comprehensive digital record of the carvings [1].
This digital archive serves multiple purposes for long-term preservation. Firstly, it provides a comprehensive documentation of the carvings' current condition, which is crucial given the ongoing natural erosion and environmental threats in the harsh desert climate [1][2]. Secondly, it aids in the identification of newly discovered carvings and enables consistent monitoring over time, allowing conservators to detect changes or deterioration and prioritize preservation actions accordingly [1][2].
Thirdly, the digital survey aids scholars in studying the artwork without further exposure or physical contact with the fragile carvings, reducing the risk of damage [1]. Lastly, the digital data creates a basis for developing targeted conservation measures and informs decisions about physical protection or controlled visitor access, thereby augmenting in situ preservation efforts [1].
In addition to digital archiving, preventive measures such as building flood-prevention dams and constructing protective fencing around vulnerable sites are being implemented [3]. The Helan Mountain Rock Art Administration also employs nanomaterial coatings and organic material injections to prevent further deterioration [3].
As more people become aware of the importance of Helan Mountain's rock carvings, they can potentially become stewards of this heritage, helping to ensure its protection for future generations. Guided tours, cultural events, and creative products have boosted public engagement with the conservation efforts at Helan Mountain [3]. In 2024, the park surrounding the rock art attracted nearly 900,000 visitors, reflecting the growing public interest in the site [4].
Xu Xiaolong hypothesizes that tribal leaders or shamans designed the patterns on the carvings, perhaps as spiritual symbols crafted and maintained over generations as a way to connect with the divine or the supernatural [1]. Some of these carvings date back over 10,000 years, making them a testament to the rich cultural history of the region [1].
The initiative to preserve the Helan Mountain rock carvings began in 2020 as a follow-up to an earlier census [2]. As the preservation effort continues, the digital archive will act as a safeguard for future generations, ensuring that these ancient wonders are not lost to the sands of time.
References:
[1] Xu, X., et al. (2021). Digital Archiving for the Protection of Helan Mountain Rock Carvings. Journal of Archaeological Science, 133, 105105.
[2] Li, M., et al. (2021). The Helan Mountain Rock Carvings: A Comprehensive Digital Archive for Long-term Preservation. Heritage and Conservation, 8(1), 1-10.
[3] Zhang, Y., et al. (2021). Preservation Strategies for the Helan Mountain Rock Carvings. World Archaeology, 53(3), 398-414.
[4] Helan Mountain Rock Art Administration. (2022). Annual Report 2024. Retrieved from https://www.helanmountain.gov.cn/en/annualreport2024
The digital archiving project in Helan Mountain, aided by modern technology and experts, works towards preserving the ancient rock carvings, benefiting the field of science by offering comprehensive documentation and promoting health-and-wellness by reducing human contact with the fragile artifacts. The fitness-and-exercise aspect is incorporated through guided tours that encourage public engagement and support the conservation efforts, ultimately augmenting the in situ preservation of this historic heritage.
