Photo taken on January 15, 2026 shows Duishan Nuershaerpu polishes a bone carving work at his studio in Ashili Village, Ashili Township, Changji City of Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Han Liang) news: On January 15, 2026, the reporter visited the studio of Duishan Nuershaerpu, the autonomous region-level representative inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage Kazak bone carving, in Ashili Village, Ashili Township, Changji City of Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. In the compact space, various lifelike bone carving works are displayed in an orderly manner, fully embodying the unique charm of grassland folk craftsmanship.

Having been engaged in bone carving for more than 20 years, Duishan uses bones, horns, and hooves of livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and yaks as raw materials, which are refined into daily necessities and artworks through multiple complex processes including cleaning, steaming, and carving. "I rely entirely on the natural shape of the raw materials for inspiration and never use design drawings," Duishan said. Due to the small size and limited usable material of ox horns and sheep horns, he repeatedly visualizes the design in his mind before starting to carve each piece. A 20-centimeter-tall bone carving wine pot takes four days to complete, while intricate works like "Dragon Dancing in the Clouds" require three weeks just to attach detailed parts such as dragon teeth, horns, and whiskers.

Photo taken on January 15, 2026 shows Duishan Nuershaerpu works on a bone carving work at his studio in Ashili Village, Ashili Township, Changji City of Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

In recent years, Duishan has promoted his works through online platforms and achieved considerable income. However, he is deeply concerned about the situation that "bone carving is dirty and tiring, so fewer and fewer young people are willing to learn it."

Fortunately, his perseverance has gradually gained support from all sectors of society. Relying on platforms such as farmers' and herdsmen's night schools and other skill training programs, Changji City and Ashili Township have invited Duishan to teach and pass on his craftsmanship. They also organize enthusiasts to visit his studio for observation and learning. Currently, more than 20 villagers have joined in learning bone carving, and his nephew Ayiding Hasimu also studies with him during winter and summer vacations: "I admire my uncle's craftsmanship and will faithfully inherit this art."

"Inheriting the bone carving craft is my lifelong pursuit. I want to carry forward this grassland intangible cultural heritage," Duishan said with firmness and resolve.

Photo taken on January 15, 2026 shows Duishan's daughter Zhulidezi Duishan films short videos for her father to promote bone carving techniques at his studio in Ashili Village, Ashili Township, Changji City of Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on January 15, 2026 shows Duishan Nuershaerpu works on a bone carving work at his studio in Ashili Village, Ashili Township, Changji City of Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on January 15, 2026 shows Duishan Nuershaerpu instructs his apprentice in bone carving creation at his studio in Ashili Village, Ashili Township, Changji City of Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo taken on January 15, 2026 shows a bone carving work created by Duishan Nuershaerpu at his studio in Ashili Village, Ashili Township, Changji City of Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

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