New Petroglyphs of the Baga-Oygur River (Right Bank) in Northwestern Mongolia

Abstract

Purpose. The prehistory of the Mongolian Altai is represented by chronologically various archaeological sites, especially the rock art ones. In 2023 (as part of 2019 season), the Russian-Mongolian expedition continued to study the rock art complexes in northwestern Mongolia.Results. On the right bank of Baga-Oygur River, 7 new petroglyphs locations were discovered; the photo and graphic documenting of multi-temporal compositions was performed. In particular, the earliest petroglyphs of the “Kalguty” style were studied. Conclusion. Dozens of images refer to the Bronze Age; images and scenes of the Early Iron and Medieval periods are also discovered. Along with the points where petroglyphs are concentrated and strictly localized, a wide distribution of petroglyphs was noted on boulders lying on coastal terraces, as well as on rocky outcrops and on the peaks of the mountain frame of the river.