The Encyclopedia on Stone: Decoding the Ancient Mysteries of Ritu Rock Paintings

The Stone History Book of the Plateau

In the desolate and magnificent hinterland of the Ngari Prefecture in Tibet, specifically in Ritu County (Rutog), lies a cultural treasure that predates the written history of the region: the Ritu Rock Paintings. Unlike the grandeur of the Potala Palace or the sacred aura of Mount Kailash, these ancient petroglyphs offer a raw, unembellished glimpse into the dawn of Tibetan civilization. Scattered across the river valleys and cliffs at altitudes between 4,200 and 4,500 meters, these rock carvings form a massive open-air gallery. They are often referred to as the "Encyclopedia of the Plateau" or a "Stone History Book" because they vividly record the social life, religious beliefs, and artistic expressions of the ancient Qiangtang nomads long before the rise of the Tubo Kingdom.

A Window into Ancient Qiangtang Life

The rock paintings are distributed widely, principally found in areas like Rilangkar (Rilang Ka), Ati Valley (A Long Gou), and Nabulong. The imagery is rich and diverse, serving as a visual archive of a bygone era. The most common themes include hunting, herding, battles, and sacrificial rituals. Using simple yet vigorous lines, the ancient artists carved scenes of hunters chasing yaks, deer, and leopards, capturing the tension and dynamism of the hunt. Other panels depict scenes of daily life, such as migrating caravans and group herding, which reflect the economic activities of the early inhabitants. These carvings provide invaluable archaeological evidence for understanding the lifestyle of the ancient nomads who roamed these high-altitude steppes thousands of years ago.

The Mystery of Symbols and Faith

Beyond daily life, the Ritu Rock Paintings offer deep insights into the spiritual world of the ancient Tibetans. Many sites feature mysterious symbols that hint at early religious practices, particularly the indigenous Bon religion and the Zhang Zhung civilization. For instance, at the Rimu Dong site, visitors can find the "Yungdrung" (Swastika) symbol, a sacred icon representing eternity and auspiciousness in the Bon faith. In the Ati Valley, unique tower-shaped carvings resembling early stupas suggest a complex spiritual life involving sun, moon, and mountain worship. These symbols bridge the gap between the material world and the divine, revealing how the ancestors of the Tibetan people sought to understand and interact with the harsh natural environment around them.

Major Sites to Explore

While there are many scattered sites, a few are particularly notable for visitors. Rilangkar, located about 12 kilometers west of the Ritu County seat near Pangong Tso, is one of the most accessible and visually stunning sites. Here, on the cliff face, you can see massive hunting scenes that convey a strong sense of motion and vitality. Nabulong, located in Duoma Township, features carvings that depict transportation and trade, possibly hinting at ancient trade routes connecting Tibet with Central Asia. Each site offers a different perspective, from the martial vigor of battle scenes to the rhythmic harmony of dancing figures, collectively painting a comprehensive picture of a lost civilization.

A Dialogue with Time

1.Visiting the Ritu Rock: Paintings is not merely about sightseeing; it is a dialogue with time itself. Standing before these weathered stones in the vast silence of the Ngari plateau, one can almost hear the shouts of ancient hunters and the chanting of shamans. The paintings are a testament to the resilience and creativity of early humans who thrived in one of the world's most challenging environments. They serve as a reminder that this now-desolate land was once a bustling stage for the drama of life, survival, and faith. For travelers interested in archaeology, history, and the origins of Tibetan culture, Ritu offers a profound and moving experience that complements the natural beauty of the nearby Pangong Lake.