Cultural heritage carved in stone in China and Ethiopia

An important category in the plastic arts, stone carving has transcended hundreds or even thousands of years of time to preserve vital information about the ancient dynasties of China and Ethiopia. Outstanding examples of these countries' achievements in the field include the Dazu Rock Carvings and the Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, both of which are listed as World Cultural Heritage Sites.

Carved since the early Tang Dynasty (618-907), the Dazu Rock Carvings in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality continued expanding until the Qing Dynasty to become a large-scale complex that includes nearly 50,000 statues in 141 locations. These well-preserved statues and inscriptions make it a treasure trove of grotto art in China that ranks alongside the Yungang, Longmen, and Mogao Grottoes. It was inscribed on the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage in 1999.

Known as the "Miracle of Africa," the Rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela were created on the orders of Gebre Meskel Lalibela of Ethiopia's Zagwe Dynasty in the 12th century. Located in the highlands at an altitude of 2,600 meters, the 11 churches were carved out from volcanic rock by thousands of workers over 24 years. The site is still in use today and receives the pilgrimage and devotees of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. It was inscribed on the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage in 1978.