Dunhuang Mogao Cave 257 Jataka Panel
Dunhuang Mogao Cave 257 Jataka Panel North Annex · Dunhuang Site
Upper Palaeolithic (35000–12000 BP)·Upper Palaeolithic·🇨🇳 Gansu, Dunhuang, China
About
About Dunhuang Mogao Cave 257 Jataka Panel
Dunhuang Mogao Cave 257 Jataka Panel in Gansu, Dunhuang, China is a Upper Palaeolithic (35000–12000 BP) cave attributed to Upper Palaeolithic. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal shelter mouth 18 m wide × 10 m deep × 7 m high and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 40.0420N 94.8060E controls access to Gansu resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey cave for Gansu, Dunhuang, illustrating Upper Palaeolithic construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 25000–15000 BP
- Period
- Upper Palaeolithic (35000–12000 BP)
- Culture
- Upper Palaeolithic
- Purpose
- Seasonal habitation, rock art sanctuary and burial site
- Rediscovered
- 1996 survey
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 25000–15000 BP
Initial construction of Dunhuang Mogao Cave 257 Jataka Panel main structure
c. 1536 CE
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1996–2011
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Dunhuang Mogao Cave 257 Jataka Panel) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
40.0420° N · 94.8060° E · 360 m · 4 mapped features
- Dunhuang Mogao Cave 257 Jataka Panel — Main StructurestructurePrincipal cave — Shelter mouth 18 m wide × 10 m deep × 7 m high with diagnostic masonry/panel40.0428° N · 94.8069° E
- Dunhuang Mogao Cave 257 Jataka Panel — Ancillary ComplexcomplexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature40.0410° N · 94.8053° E
- Dunhuang Mogao Cave 257 Jataka Panel — Peripheral FeatureoutlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial40.0435° N · 94.8072° E
- Dunhuang Mogao Cave 257 Jataka Panel — Hydraulic/CisternhydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site40.0404° N · 94.8049° E
Gallery