For the first time petroglyphs in Karelia were discovered in the 20-30s of the XX century. In Karelia, not far from Belomorsk, on the banks of a dry channel of the Vyg River, there is a unique place that annually attracts scientists not only from Russia, but also from abroad. On the huge, once water-polished rocks, which are called "lamb's foreheads", hundreds of rock carvings - petroglyphs, presumably made in the 4th-3rd millennium BC were discovered in the 20th century.
Message of the ancients
Archaeologists have discovered images of people and animals, hunting scenes, sketches of battles. Moreover, “portraits” of fantastic characters were found, the secret of which has not yet been revealed. This summer, employees of the Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IIMK RAS) went on the Kola Expedition to study in more detail the petroglyphs in Karelia, as well as the Late Neolithic site in the Kharlovka area in the Murmansk region.
“Zalavruga are Karelian petroglyphs, here we will work with objects that have not been previously explored. We are planning to make contact copies of the Zalavruga petroglyphs to study the knockout technique,”explained Evgeny Kolpakov, Deputy Head of the Expedition, Senior Researcher of the Paleolithic Department of the IIMK RAS.
Finding new drawings with the naked eye is not so easy. According to the Institute, knockouts are detected by examining rock surfaces in different light modes. Archaeologists use mirrors and screens and lanterns at night. They photograph the finds at different times of the day, as well as under an opaque film. In addition, the expedition members create plans for petroglyphs. To do this, they spread large sheets of transparent plastic film on the surface of the rocks, onto which the image is transferred with a felt-tip pen. Later, with the help of plastics, contact copies are made, which will help scientists learn the technique of knocking out a pattern.
For the first time petroglyphs in Karelia were discovered in the 20-30s of the XX century. An expedition led by an employee of the Institute for the History of Material Culture, Professor Vladislav Ravdonikas, discovered in 1936 a group of images that was named Zalavruga. When, in 1963, scientists discovered another complex of petroglyphs hidden under a layer of soil, they named it Novaya Zalavruga.
In total, 39 groups were found in the lower reaches of the river, including more than 2000 figures, most of which range in size from 15 to 60 cm. It should be noted that this area is equipped for tourists. For convenience, special wooden decks have been laid there, passing along which you can see the main groups of artifacts.
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Pose "Demon"
Scientists suggest that the authors of the rock art were sea and land hunters and gatherers. The sacred meaning of some of them remains a mystery to this day. For example, at the northern tip of the Shoyruksha Island, "Demon Sledki" were found - one of the oldest rock carvings in Karelia. Tourists can see several "footprints" that lead to the figure of the main "demon". The figure depicts a man who stands on one leg, his left arm is raised and one eye is closed. It is believed to be a shaman pose. According to one of the versions, the rock with drawings could be a place of sacrifices.
The drawing on the Devil's Nose, according to experts, is about 5 thousand years old. Nearby, mysterious geometric shapes were seen, images of fish and otters (possibly lizards) were guessed. There is a legend according to which, in the 15th century, monks tried to destroy these symbols "in order to neutralize evil spirits" by knocking out a Christian cross over them.
Not far from the "Demon Tracks" there is another cluster of ancient images - Erpin Pudas.
In total, the set of Onega petroglyphs includes 24 groups, which include about 1100 figures and signs. The largest figures reach 4 meters in height. Some of them are carved on gentle coastal rocks. They can be seen up to 2.5 meters above the water line.
There are only a few reserves in Russia that could compete with the unique Karelian archaeological sites. For example, in Bashkortostan there is a cave "Shulgan-Tash" (Karpova cave), which is famous for drawings of the Paleolithic era. The drawings there were made mainly with ocher - a natural pigment based on animal fat. There are also rare pictures of charcoal for that time. Despite the fact that the drawings in the cave are now in varying degrees of preservation, not only animal figures, but also staircases, huts and all kinds of geometric figures are guessed there.
In Altai, on the right bank of the Chuya River, the Kalbak-Tasha tract is preserved - a whole "gallery" of petroglyphs. Tourists under the guidance of a guide can see pictures of people, deer, horses and cows. Another favorite destination for history buffs is the Yelangash River Valley, which is also known as a major site of rock art. It is interesting because the earliest petroglyphs here belong to the Bronze Age.