Helan Mountain Rock Art – A Glimpse into the Lives of Ancient Humans

Among the various themes depicted in the Helan Mountain Rock Art, animal imagery is particularly abundant. Paleontological analyses reveal that the artworks feature a diverse array of 35 species, including wild bison, wild boar, wild horse, deer, goat, horse, donkey, dog, camel, tiger, leopard, fox, wolf, bear, and various bird species. The paintings capture scenes of animals in their natural behaviors, such as grazing, hunting, playing, and fighting, characterized by concise compositions and lifelike depictions.

One notable artwork is the “Giant Bison,” located in the Huihui Valley area. Measuring 2.01 meters in length and 1.01 meters in height, this rock carving is roughly the same size as a real bison and is situated on a cliff over 40 meters high. The outline of the bison is outlined with three parallel lines, while several smaller goats are intricately carved within and around the outline, enhancing the dynamic and vivid quality of the scene. Additionally, some animal images in the Helan Mountain rock art are peculiar and unidentifiable, likely representing extinct species that once roamed the region.

The human figures represented in the Helan Mountain rock art are numerous and diverse, including both frontal and profile views, as well as combinations of humans and animals. Many of the human figures lack detailed facial features, yet their streamlined lines and accurate compositions evoke a sense of vitality and spirit. The area of Helankou is particularly rich in human imagery, featuring 708 uniquely composed and distinctly shaped human or humanoid faces along both sides of a valley that stretches approximately 540 meters long and less than 50 meters wide. This site holds the distinction of having the highest concentration of human face rock art globally.

The 708 faces vary greatly in form and expression, with few resembling one another. Experts in rock art research generally interpret these unusual depictions as products of prehistoric shamanistic practices, reflecting a worship and reverence for deities and totems. Among these, one meticulously carved human face has been referred to as the “Sun God” by researchers and visitors alike. This artwork is characterized by radiating lines representing the sun’s rays, exaggerated cheekbones, and fierce, bulging eyes, conveying an imposing and even terrifying presence. The striking portrayal leaves a powerful impact on viewers, evoking a strong emotional response and awe.

The hunting scenes depicted in the Helan Mountain rock art capture the intensity and struggle of ancient hunting practices. These vivid illustrations showcase groups of hunters pursuing tigers, packs of dogs chasing deer, archers drawing their bows, and riders galloping on horseback, all conveying a sense of urgency and action. One can almost hear the roars of wild beasts, the neighs of fierce horses, and the shouts of hunters amidst these dramatic portrayals.

In the Kujing Valley area, there is a prominent rock painting illustrating a tiger hunt, composed of several interconnected images. At the top of the scene, a group of rock sheep stands side by side, seemingly unaware of the hunter drawing his bow across from them. To the left, another hunter stands at the ready, aiming at a few North Mountain goats charging toward him. Below, a wolf is shown fiercely pursuing a desperate ram. The centerpiece of the artwork features an exaggerated image of a tiger, claws bared and teeth exposed, caught in a struggle for survival as three hunters aim their bows at it. Several arrows have already struck the tiger in the head, while hunting dogs bark aggressively around it. In the lower part of the painting, deer, horses, sheep, and dogs dart in various directions, with a distant hunter waiting with raised sticks for their arrival.

Mating is another prominent theme in the Helan Mountain rock art, vividly depicted through scenes of male and female figures engaged in copulation, as well as representations of animal mating. These artworks often feature exaggerated depictions of genitalia, with strikingly large male members and simplified yet pronounced female forms, capturing the viewer’s attention. The act of copulation is portrayed with fervor, symbolizing the ancient people’s reverence for reproduction, fertility, and the continuity of life.

In addition to these scenes, the rock art also includes images of dancing and rituals that exude joy and significance. The representations of dancers vary from solo performances to paired dances and large group gatherings. Observers can almost envision the dancers’ elaborate headdresses and flowing sleeves moving rhythmically, accompanied by the sounds of lively songs. These dynamic scenes reflect the celebratory spirit of the ancient people and their connection to nature and the divine.

The Yinchuan World Rock Art Museum is located within the Helan Mountain Rock Art Scenic Area, covering a total area of 72,000 square meters, with a building area of 4,106 square meters and an exhibition area of 2,000 square meters, featuring a continuous exhibition line of 556 meters. The museum consists of eight sections: the introductory hall, the central hall, the world rock art exhibition hall, the Chinese rock art exhibition hall, the Helan Mountain rock art exhibition hall, the primitive art exhibition hall, the special exhibition hall, and the rock art information center. Additionally, it includes a lecture hall, expert research room, and restoration room. The museum showcases a rich collection of 546 representative rock art artifacts, including catalogues, rubbings, molds, oil painting replicas, and original artworks, from over 200 regions across 31 countries worldwide, as well as primitive artworks that originated during the same period as the rock art.

The Han Meilin Art Museum is situated in the cultural and artistic display area of the Helan Mountain Rock Art Site Park. It occupies a total area of 15,868 square meters, with a building area of 6,694 square meters. The museum features multiple functional areas, including exhibition halls, an interactive zone, a creation area, and a visitor service area, providing opportunities for exploration, education, exhibitions, and relaxation. The museum consists of “five halls, two rooms, one corridor, and one valley,” including the introductory hall, exhibition halls 1 through 4, a manuscript corridor, and the Sun Valley. With over 1,000 exhibits, it focuses on showcasing Han Meilin’s artistic masterpieces inspired by rock art, including paintings, calligraphy, sculptures, ceramics, and textiles.

The Helan Ritual is a large-scale experiential performance that takes place in the Helan Mountain Rock Art Scenic Area. This innovative show draws inspiration from the unique sacrificial culture of Helan Mountain and its ancient rituals, delving deep into the mountain’s folklore and myths. Through dynamic interpretation, the performance re-enacts ancient human activities, such as daily life, hunting scenes, and blessing ceremonies, allowing visitors to interact and immerse themselves in this artistic experience. It encapsulates the original sacrificial rites of Helan Mountain into a high-level artistic feast.

The performance lasts for 30 minutes, set against the backdrop of the Helan Mountain range, with the sacrificial area serving as the stage. Elements such as the Mountain God Temple, altars, and totem poles contribute to the visual spectacle. The show is divided into three acts: “Hunting,” “Life,” and “Ritual,” focusing on the themes of harmony with nature, the struggle against it, and aspirations for the future. With nearly 40 professional actors, the Helan Ritual artistically portrays the profound respect ancient peoples had for nature while showcasing their resilient spirit and bravery in confronting challenges.