Stone Statues
of Ming Tombs are composed of 24 stone animals followed by 12 stone
human figures along the Sacred Path. The Stone Statues are also called
Shixiangsheng in Chinese. They serve as ceremonial guards.
This custom began in the Qin Dynasty (221-206) and the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD).
The procession
of the Stone Statues starts with four lions, four xiezhi
(mythical beasts), four elephants, four camels,
four qilin (mythical beasts) and four horse.
In each group, one pair is standing while the othe
Each one
of the Stone Statues is carved out of a single piece of stone and the
biggest one occupies a space of up to 30 cubic meters, including the
pedestal. They represent the best sculptural craftsmanship of the Ming
Dynasty.