In a remarkable discovery, volunteers on an environmental clean-up campaign in Kazakhstan have uncovered ancient rock art dating back to the Bronze or Iron Ages. This extraordinary find, consisting of around 100 petroglyphs, depicts wild sheep and double-humped camels, offering a glimpse into the region’s distant past. Although news reports have recently brought attention to this discovery, archaeologists reveal that the site was already known but kept secret to protect it until it could be thoroughly examined.
A Hidden Gem Revealed
Approximately 100 petroglyphs, believed to be around 3,500 years old, have been discovered in the Zhambyl (also spelled Jambyl) region in southeastern Kazakhstan. The Astana Times, a prominent news outlet in Kazakhstan, reported that these petroglyphs date back to the Bronze or Early Iron Ages. The exact duration of these ages in Kazakhstan is debated among scholars, but it is generally agreed that they span from around 4,000 to 2,500 years ago.
The Discovery Process
The petroglyphs were found during a nationwide volunteer campaign aimed at cleaning the environment. Once the potential discovery was made, local archaeologists were brought in to examine the site. These ancient engravings are spread across an area approximately 66 to 82 feet (20 to 25 meters) long and 5 to 6.6 feet (1.5 to 2 meters) wide, as reported by Sauran Kaliyev, an archaeologist who investigated the petroglyphs.
Artistic Depictions
The petroglyphs include images of animals and people, with notable examples being double-humped camels and argali, a type of wild sheep. There are also depictions of people hunting, providing valuable insights into the lifestyle and activities of the ancient inhabitants of the region.
The Challenge of Preservation
Despite the excitement surrounding this discovery, not all scholars involved in the study were directly part of the volunteer project. Nikolai Novozhenov, an expert not involved in the project, noted that the site has not been studied in detail, and its petroglyphs have not yet been described in a peer-reviewed journal. He emphasized the importance of keeping the location of newly discovered rock art sites secret to prevent vandalism and unauthorized access.
The Need for Funding and Expertise
Novozhenov highlighted the challenges faced by archaeologists in Kazakhstan, pointing out that more funding and resources are needed to properly record and study these ancient sites. “We don’t have enough experts and funds for needed analyses and fieldwork,” he said, underscoring the need for greater support to preserve and understand these invaluable historical artifacts.
Conclusion
The discovery of 3,500-year-old petroglyphs in Kazakhstan’s Zhambyl region is a significant archaeological find, shedding light on the ancient cultures that once inhabited the area. While the recent uncovering of these petroglyphs by volunteers has generated interest, it also highlights the ongoing challenges in preserving and studying such sites. With increased funding and resources, archaeologists hope to protect and document these treasures, ensuring they remain a source of knowledge and inspiration for future generations.
