On the occasion of researching the preservation of the culture of the Shui ethnic minority in China, archaeologists in Libo County, Guizhou Province, have collected a pair of cow horns inscribed with the words “The Book of the Shui People“.
Following meticulous initial analyses, researchers affirm that these two books made from cow horns have existed for about 1,000 years and were discovered for the first time in China.
Each horn measures 35 cm in length, carved with approximately 20 characters and symbols of the Shui people that are challenging to decode. The designs include scales, vertebrae, fish scales, peacocks, dragons soaring in the sky, fish leaping out of water, phoenixes, fairies flying in clouds and mist, the moon, the sun, a fireball, masks of officials, soldiers, and more.
After extensive efforts, experts have decoded 8 characters meaning “leopard, year, day, pride” and “tiger, moon, time, wolf.” They assert that, with its unique patterns and characters, this pair of horns symbolizes two theories of Yin and Yang, aligning with the philosophy and medicine of ancient China.
The “Yang” horn is primarily used for bountiful harvest seasons and festive days, while the “Yin” horn is mainly employed in warfare and attacks.
