Chronology of Rock Art of the Russian and Mongolian Altai: From the Paleolithic to the Late Middle Ages

A comprehensive chronology of rock art spanning from the Paleolithic to the Late Middle Ages has been established for the Mongolian Altai, revealing layered petroglyphic palimpsests with overlapping images. The study identifies distinct stylistic and thematic traditions, including Bronze Age representations linked to Afanasyevo and Chemurchek cultures, characterized by unique 'Chemurchek anthropomorphs.' Challenges in dating Neolithic petroglyphs and analyzing Xiongnu-Sarmatian and Turkic styles are highlighted. The research employs a detailed analysis of stylistic features and cultural contexts to classify diverse petroglyphs, providing insights into the temporal and cultural evolution of Altai rock art.

Molodin, V. I., Cheremisin, D. V., Nenakhova, Y. N., & Batbold, N. (2024). Chronology of Rock Art of the Russian and Mongolian Altai: From the Paleolithic to the Late Middle Ages. Archaeology, Ethnology & Anthropology of Eurasia, 51(4), 65–77. https://doi.org/10.17746/1563-0110.2023.51.4.065-077