A group of dedicated volunteers from the Taza (Clean) Kazakhstan environmental campaign has stumbled upon a remarkable discovery in the Zhambyl region of Kazakhstan – a collection of petroglyphs, or rock carvings, dating back over 4,000 years.
These ancient etchings, located around 3.5 kilometers from the village of Aktogay near towering ridges, were unearthed during the second week of the campaign, which focused on cleaning and landscaping efforts around historical and cultural sites.
The petroglyphs, reaching up to two meters in height and stretching over 15-20 meters in length, depict a captivating snapshot of the daily lives and worldviews of the people who inhabited this region during the Bronze Age.
“We encountered these extraordinary drawings quite by accident,” shared volunteer Assylzhan Pazylbekov. “Recognizing their potential significance, we immediately contacted archaeologists to gain a deeper understanding of these carvings. We believe this discovery has the potential to shed new light on our history.”
Initial estimates by experts place the creation of these petroglyphs somewhere in the ballpark of 4,000 years ago. However, pinpointing the exact date requires further investigation and support for local archaeologists. The presence of unique features etched onto the surface of the rock art has piqued the interest of scientists, who plan to conduct a thorough examination of these invaluable markings.
The discovery holds particular significance due to the rarity of finding such a concentrated collection of images on a single rock surface within the Zhambyl region. Previously studied examples of rock art in the area include those found at Arpaozen, Koibagar, Sauyskandyk, Eshikolmes, and Tanbaly Tas.
Southern Kazakhstan’s Karatau Mountains are renowned for their petroglyphs, some dating back to the Middle Ages and even as far back as the 2nd millennium BC. These rock paintings were first documented in 1906 by topographer M.N. Kirchhoff within the Besaryk Gorge.
Traditionally, the petroglyphs of Karatau are etched onto various sized rocks and boulders. These engravings serve as a window into the past, depicting not only the economic way of life of nomadic tribes but also their religious beliefs, customs, traditions, and rituals specific to those eras. Animals, particularly birds, are prominent figures within these rock art collections.
The subject matter depicted in these petroglyphs is diverse and carries symbolic meaning. For instance, the image of a camel is recognized as a representation of wealth and strength. Additionally, many rocks depict scenes of hunting mountain goats with dogs and birds in flight.
Sauran Kaliyev, an archaeologist and historian, commented on the significance of the Karatau mountain range, stating, “It holds immense historical and geographical importance. It stands as a unique testament to human civilization, not just in Kazakhstan’s history but also on a global scale.”
The discovery of these petroglyphs by the Taza (Clean) Kazakhstan volunteers highlights the invaluable contributions of citizen science initiatives. Kuanysh Daurenbekov, director of the Directorate for the Protection and Restoration of Historical and Cultural Monuments, emphasized their commitment to further research, stating, “We will continue our investigations and conduct a state examination. Our goal is to have this site designated as one of national or international significance, ensuring its inclusion on the list of protected historical sites.”
The ongoing efforts to understand and preserve these petroglyphs promise to enrich our understanding of the lives and cultures of those who thrived in this region millennia ago.