Ancient cliff discoveries shed light on region's past

In addition to the discoveries in Nyemo county, the local cultural relic survey team achieved significant progress in the region's Nakarze county in Lhokha, where they uncovered a large group of rock paintings.

Tenzin Padrub, team leader of the local cultural relic survey team, says the Tuiwarela rock painting group, spanning a 1,000-meter cliff, features over 420 intricately carved panels with more than 30 different patterns.

"These designs vividly depict ancient hunters and animals, providing invaluable material for the study of Tibetan history and culture," says Tenzin Padrub.

One rock painting is approximately 0.7 m tall and 0.5 m wide, the largest of all.

Located in central Xizang, it is the largest site with the most rock paintings, making it highly valuable to researchers, he says.

"Our ancestors used rock paintings to express their lifestyles and culture at the time. The patterns are very clear, with distinct lines; some are relatively simple, with more blurred lines," he says.

The survey team and experts determined that this area contains rock paintings from different periods. Preliminary estimates indicate that these rock paintings are about 1,000 to 2,000 years old, he adds.

The content of the rock paintings mainly focuses on the hunting scenes, including figures with bows and arrows, spears and horseback archery, as well as torch-bearing figures. There are also depictions of deer, dogs and other small animals, along with Tibetan letters and stupa shapes.

"Officials from the village and township are currently responsible for the site's protection," says Tenzin Padrub.

"In the future, following official recognition by higher authorities, it is expected to be gradually classified as a site of cultural relics and a relevant protection sign will be established."