Stone Animals Along the Approaches to the Ming Tombs

Open air sculptures representing reclining camels in the foreground and, in the distance, elephants. A man leaning against the foremost camel sculpture, holding a pipe; probably one of Thomson's two Chinese assistants, Akum or Ahong. The road is called the Spirit Road (Shendao), and leads to the tombs of 13 Ming emperors (Shisanling), starting with Yongle (1403-1425). Changling is approached first through an avenue protected by animals carved from limestone. Each species comprises two pairs, a kneeling pair and a standing one. There are 24 species, ranging from lions and unicorns to camels, elephants and 'qilin' (one of the four divine animals). All wear expressions of tranquil repose, "thoroughly in keeping with their duty as the guardians of the dead".