Ritual on the Rock. Reflection of Totemic Rites of the Deer Cult in the Rock Art of Northern Eurasia

Rock art from Northern Eurasia, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alta, depicts complex ritual scenes involving people and deer, reflecting totemic rites tied to deer hunting societies. These rituals, linked to calendrical and liminal ceremonies, were crucial for ensuring successful hunts and deer reproduction. The study uses ethno-archaeological reconstruction to interpret compositions, comparing narratives from Northern Europe and Siberia with subarctic indigenous totemic practices. Key ritual elements—such as imitating deer, sacrificial dismemberment, communal feasting, and preserving remains—are visually documented in the rock art, offering insights into ancient cosmological beliefs and their connection to natural and economic cycles.

Mykhailova, N., Yanevich, O.,. (2022). Ritual on the Rock. Reflection of Totemic Rites of the Deer Cult in the Rock Art of Northern Eurasia. Stratum plus. Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology, (2), 233–246. https://doi.org/10.55086/sp222233246