Wolves, bears, and whales from two thousand years ago: a book about Chukotka petroglyphs will be published in 2025.
The petroglyphs are located along the banks of the Pegtymel River. They were discovered in the 1960s, and specialists from the Institute of Archaeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences resumed their study in 2021. In recent years, they have been surveying and digitizing the rock art.
The Pegtymel petroglyphs are the northernmost rock art site in Eurasia. They depict wolves, bears, whales, deer, and hunting scenes. This proves that Chukotka had a developed culture as early as 2000 years ago.
Three field seasons I spent The Russian Academy of Sciences' petroglyphic team has been working in Chukotka. Scientists have captured all the drawings and created interactive 3D models. These models will allow for further study and preservation of the petroglyphs.
There are three known petroglyph sites in the Pegtymel area. By 2024, more than 160 petroglyph surfaces were digitized, some of which were located on cliffs or at high altitudes. Since 2021, another 555 of the 596 known petroglyph surfaces have been documented. However, with further study of the sites, the number of images may increase.
The new book will include unique photographs and scientific materials collected during expeditions, added regional governor Vladislav Kuznetsov. The Institute of Archaeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences will publish the book with the support of the regional government.
Photo: RAS