Archaeologists discovered over 200 cliff carving sites along two river valleys in Chengbu, central China, written n the language of the Miao ethnic minority. The are believed to have been created during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

According to the researchers the characters and symbols inscribed on the cliffs are words and even stories that may be records of the life, agriculture and religious beliefs of the Miao. The written language is known only through Miao folk songs and folklore. The characters are similar to Chinese seal characters but are mixed with other symbols, possibly pictograms. The Miao are among China’s 55 ethnic minorities, regarded for elaborately embroidered silk garments and complex multi-tier silver headdresses and necklaces.

(after Xinhua)