The Shanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology has unveiled remarkable findings from the Yungang Grottoes in Datong, shedding light on the historic use of animals.

Excavations at Cave No 3, the complex's largest grotto, have uncovered 56 animal remains. Scientific analysis suggests these remains are linked to both the use of animal labor and the dietary practices of the artisans who crafted the grottoes.

The archaeological dig also revealed a diverse array of artifacts, including pottery shards, porcelain fragments, stone carvings, coins, architectural elements, and a limited number of animal bones. The identified remains belong to dogs, horses, pigs, cattle, and sheep.

Researchers propose that during the Northern Wei (386-534), Liao (916-1125), and Jin (1115-1234) dynasties, cattle and horses were primarily used as resources. The roles of sheep and dogs remained relatively unchanged, while pigs were notably absent during the Northern Wei period. Horses and cattle likely served as draft animals, while dogs may have been used for guarding and companionship. Once these animals were no longer useful, they were probably consumed as meat.

The animal bones discovered are few and mostly fragmented, consisting mainly of skulls, teeth, and jaws, which offer little meat, with only a few limb bones present. This indicates high utilization levels, likely by the artisans who carved the grottoes, though some remains may have been used by monks.

These findings help reconstruct a scene of ancient artisans using animal labor to carve the grottoes, providing insight into their nutritional needs following intense labor.