临武碉楼建筑特征及功能探析

Architecture Features and Functions of the Embrasure Fortresses in Linwu County, Hunan

临武碉楼是湘南地区一类独特的历史文化遗存,历史悠久,在临武乡村分布极为广泛,但目前遗存不足10座。这些建筑通常选址于村口下方数十至数百米之处的古道旁或水塘间,被当地人称为"水口""下守"。临武碉楼外形封闭坚固,四面墙体从上而下布满了排列有序的长方形射击孔,军事防御功能明显。此外,临武人还赋予碉楼宗教神殿、书院私塾、亭台楼阁和风水守护等功能。临武碉楼为研究临武古代军事防御体系、社会文化、建筑艺术、民俗风情等提供了珍贵的实物史料,具有极高的历史、科学和艺术价值。

Linwu＇s embrasure fortress is a kind of unique historical heritage in Southern Hunan. Now they remain less than ten, although they had a long history and were widely distributed in the past. These embrasure fortresses were usually located beside the ancient roads or among the ponds, which were dozens or hundreds of meters from the entrance of the villages. Therefore, they were known locally for ＂Shuikou＂ or ＂Xiashou＂. They had obviously military defense capabilities for their close and firm shapes and rectangular embrasures on their walls from top to bottom. In addition, they had other functions such as religious temple, classical academies, pavilions or Fengshui architectures. These embrasure fortresses provided a kind of precious historical materials, with important historical, scientific and artistic value for studying ancient military defense systems, social cultures, architecture art, folk customs and so on of Linwu County.