Archaeologists have made a map of the northernmost petroglyphs of Asia
Russian archaeologists have conducted new studies of the northernmost specimens of rock art in Asia. They are located on the Pegtymel River (Chukotka), according to the press service of the Institute of Archeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
The members of the expedition created an accurate map of the monument, fixing the coordinates of 341 drawings. They also found one previously unknown image of a reindeer.
The Pegtymel petroglyphs are the only rock art monument located beyond the Arctic Circle. Their authors tried to capture the world around them: animals (reindeer, dogs, wolves, foxes), birds, sea creatures (whales and seals), hunting scenes.
Arriving at the site, scientists discovered that fresh vandal inscriptions had been added to the ancient drawings. Vandalism can threaten the preservation of the monument.
In addition, the monument is threatened with gradual destruction due to natural causes, as it is located in the open air. A virtual copy will allow preserving ancient art for posterity, scientists noted.
Earlier it was reported that ancient dwellings of indigenous peoples were found in Chukotka. They survived in the Arctic village of Lawrence.
