Man preserves sayings by carving in stone
(China Daily)
Updated: 2005-03-29 10:56

Jiang Jiwei carves inscriptions on the stones in the mountain that stands in front of his house.

For 30 years, the "strange" Jiang from Zhutang Village of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, has quietly carved inscriptions of Carl Marx, Mao Zedong and other revolutionary figures. They dot the stones on the mountain in front of his home, creating vivid scenes for the village to enjoy.

Everything began during the "cultural revolution" (1966-76) when carpenter Jiang's class status was wrongfully said to be a "kulak" or rich farmer.

He was dragged to every meeting site for criticism and humiliation, and was required to recite the quotations of Chairman Mao. If he failed to do so, he would be beaten.

To remember all the quotations, he began to carve them on the mountain stones. Day by day, the carvings became a site for schools to use as classes on modern history.

Jiang also receives some donations to maintain his unusual lifestyle, the Nanguo Morning News reports.

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