Artistic creation

The image of sheep and goat appears on many local artworks, including ceramics, wax printings, embroideries and cross-stitch works. In 1972, archeologists from Guizhou Provincial Museum excavated a tiny lamb pottery in a tomb from the Han Dynasty (206BC-AD220). It was very delicate and exquisite, only 6 cm tall and 11.5 cm long. With its tail raised onto its hip, the lamb looks content and sleepy as if it has just had a big meal. It is a rare masterpiece.

The image of sheep often appears on embroideries made by Miao women living in mountain areas. Called "sheep dragon" it resembles a real sheep, but with many colors. The images of sheep in wax printings and cross-stitch works, however, are quite different from real sheep. Usually a complete shape of a sheep is not presented. Only sheep horns are highlighted. Backpacks used to carry babies are also often embroidered with the design of sheep horns, because it is believed to keep evil away from babies. It is also said that ancestors will surely protect babies if they are worshipped with sheep offerings.

  Architecture

As the word sheep is pronounced the same or similar to the words "sun" and "auspicious" in Chinese, sheep designs often appear on the local buildings of the Guizhou Plateau. For example, on the brick archway at Feiyunya Cliff, a site under the key protection of Guizhou Province, is carved a relief sculpture of three goats symbolizing a peaceful and prosperous society.

As "sheep" and "auspicious" are pronounced similarly, sheep are generally considered a symbol of good luck. Therefore, the image of sheep can often be seen on ancient objects such as bells and vessels.

"Sheep" is also pronounced similar as "elephant" in Chinese. So the elephant has also become a sign of auspiciousness and strength. Many pieces of local furniture feature elephant legs and some eaves are made of the shape of elephant trunk, which represent not only strength but also anticipate successful careers.