In Nanjiang County, Sichuan Province, a remote mountain site has become the center of a cultural preservation debate. Here, a collection of Buddhist statues, carved over 1,400 years ago during the Northern Wei Period (386-534), has recently been the subject of unintended harm. These statues, significant in showcasing the spread of Buddhism in ancient China, especially in Sichuan and its neighboring regions, have been painted in bright colors by local villagers.
The statues, varying in size, were discovered two years ago along the historic Micang Ancient Road, a crucial transportation route dating back 3,000 years. Despite their historical significance, they had not yet been listed as a protected cultural unit. Local authorities had installed surveillance devices and a rain awning to protect the site. However, this did not prevent the recent incident.
Surveillance footage revealed elderly villagers, most in their 70s or 80s, painting the statues. By the time officials arrived to intervene, the painting had already been completed. The villagers explained their actions as a gesture of gratitude, believing they were thanking the Buddhist figures for fulfilling their prayers.
An unnamed official from the county’s cultural relic authority expressed the challenges faced in addressing the situation, given the remoteness of the location and the intentions of the villagers. The official stated that while immediate action was limited to criticism and education, efforts were being made to restore the statues to their original state. Experts have been invited to research effective paint removal methods, and there is optimism about restoring the statues’ original appearance.
The incident has sparked widespread attention and concern among cultural heritage enthusiasts, including a Chongqing resident, surnamed Song. Song expressed dismay at the damage to the statues, which have stood for more than 14 centuries.
This event highlights a recurring issue in China, where ancient Buddhist figures are often repainted, typically funded by local villagers. The Sichuan Provincial Cultural Relics Bureau previously noted similar inappropriate repairs and heavy painting on 13 ancient statues in a Buddhist-linked cave in Anyue County.
The incident underscores the importance of public awareness and education in cultural heritage protection. It also brings attention to China’s Cultural Relics Preservation Law, which mandates that repair and renovation of relics should only be undertaken following approval by cultural authorities and by licensed cultural relic protection engineering companies. The situation at Nanjiang County serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between local customs, religious practices, and the preservation of historical artifacts.
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