Бага Ойгорын палеолитын хадны зургийн дурсгал

Abstract

In 2004, Ts. Turbat made a discovery of a significant site of engraved rock art, dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period. Situated on the south bank of the Baga Oigor River, this remarkable site lies within the protective zone of the World Heritage site of the Mongolian Altai rock art complex. The Baga Oigor-VI complex boasts an impressive array of 41 depictions featuring animals such as horses, ibex, argali, deer, cattle, and snakes from the Upper Paleolithic period, complemented by an additional 16 images originating from the Bronze Age, constituting a total of 57 images. Noteworthy is the superior preservation status of this monument, eclipsing that of comparable sites and presenting unparalleled clarity in visibility. The scarcity of open Paleolithic rock art sites across the globe that bear resemblance to this exceptional find underscores its singular nature. The geographically nearest analogous site of significance is the Gobustan monument in the South Caucasus followed by largest concentration of similar monuments in Iberian peninsula. Beyond the renowned ochre paintings of the Khoid Tsenkher Cave, an extensive exploration of carved rock art open air monuments is underway, elevating the Mongolian Altai region to the status of a pivotal hub in the realm of ancient art. The sheer abundance and widespread distribution of these monuments contribute to its characterization as a veritable “cradle of prehistoric art”.