Study of Rock Art and Inscriptions of the Mongolian Altai
This project aims to produce a detailed public inventory of the rock art of the Mongolian Altai mountains, and to develop initial measures for their conservation, drawing upon both documentary and field research and the contribution of international experts.
Background
The carved, pecked and painted petroglyphs situated throughout Mongolia, and particularly in the Altai mountain region in the west of the country, are among the clearest and most abundant expressions of the tangible artistic heritage of the Central Asian nomads.
Mongolian rock art is characterized by its representation of highly stylized animal figures, shamanic symbols and tamga signs, all of which are fundamental elements of the continuing artistic and cultural tradition of the Mongol nomads, and by its association with ritual monuments and a sacred landscape. In terms of their artistic style and subject matter, these petroglyphs present a visible link with the stone monuments and decorative objects produced by the prehistoric nomads, including deer stones, stelae, saddle and bridle ornaments, branding irons, felt embroidery, pottery and other objects.
In addition, due to their association with sacred and ritual sites, rock art supplies valuable information concerning the spiritual worldview and ritual traditions of the early nomads - many elements of which have been preserved in living traditions up to the present day. Many petroglyphs are situated in complexes associated with ritual constructions such as keregsur and deer stones, or with natural sacred monuments, and the rock images often contain sacred and shamanist figures such as the 'sacred tree' symbolizing the link between the three levels of the cosmos, the birthing mother, or the shaman's tambourine.
The rock art of the Mongolian Altai is highly significant as an outstanding example of the petroglyph tradition of North and Central Asia, showing the development of the nomadic technologies, spiritual worldview and artistry of the ancient inhabitants of this region. Compared to similar properties in the same region, this rock art is of particular value in terms of its abundance and artistic sophistication.
There is an ongoing need to document the rock art heritage of Mongolia, to raise awareness of this heritage both domestically and abroad, and to promote its sustainable use in the long term as a cultural tourism resource. The establishment of an inventory of the rock art of the Mongolian Altai, accompanied by a comparative study with rock art in surrounding countries, will clearly be of value in preparing a potential World Heritage nomination dossier, but will also be of considerable scientific importance in promoting a deeper understanding of the unique value of Mongolian rock art and its place within the wider Central Asian tradition.
Objectives
The objectives of this project are to:
- Prepare and publish a comprehensive bibliography of all published scientific materials concerning the rock art of Western Mongolia.
- Produce a comparative analysis of the petroglyphs found in Mongol
 | In commemoration of the legacy and teachings of His Holiness Dulduit Danzanravzhaa Fifth Wrathful Noble Xutagt of the Great Gobi (1803-1856) I did not overbearingly sophize Nor preach with pride and arrogance But having found a sense in this world Spoke the truth of my dear heart. |   |