Petroglyphs from Kalbak-Tash

Kalbak-Tash is the most well-known and popular rock art site in the Russian Altai. It is situated on the right bank of the Chuya River close to its confluence with the Katun River. According to archeological estimates, about 3,700 images and several dozens runiform inscriptions were made on the rock surfaces. Scholars believe this site was chosen because ancient animal migration routes to the Katun valley passed through Kalbak-Tash, attracting hunters and herders. Before crossing these dangerous, turbulent rivers, people thought that it was important to create images of revered spirits and gods, leading archeologists to classify Kalbak-Tash as an ancient sanctuary.

Every historical period left its image on the site. Among the most striking are the Bronze Age petroglyphs of chariots and groups of female characters wearing distinctive clothing—breastplates and long skirts—unparalleled in other Eurasian rock art sites. These images likely represent an ancient water deity. Also noteworthy are unusual figures with mushroom-shaped headdresses whose meaning is still debated. Later Scythian and medieval petroglyphs are easily identifiable by their style and engraving techniques.

Many tourists visit Kalbak-Tash every year. Hence, protecting this site is crucial so that future generations can continue to experience this remarkable open-air sanctuary.

Location:  Russia, Altai Republic, Ongudaisky District

The archeological studies began in:  They are known from the end of the 19th century

Estimated layers age:  Images of the Bronze Age (presumably, also of the Neolithic) to the late Middle Ages

Study history

Petroglyphs of Kalbak-Tash have become widely known already at the end of the 19th century because of the construction of the Chuya Highway. D.I. Kuznetsova and G.I. Gurkin made first drawings in 1912. Archeologists began the study of this site at the end of the 1970s. V.D. Kubarev studied the site in further detail. In addition to documenting and analyzing the petroglyphs, he also conducted excavations to find evidence of the sanctuary activities. However, no traces of sacrifices or offerings were found at Kalbak-Tash I. The search continues at Kalbak-Tash II, a larger part, where G.V. Kubarev’s expedition has already uncovered ritual structures, including burial mounds, boxes, and steles.

Most well-known finds

Female images, antropomorphic figures wearing mushroom-like headdresses, chariots, fantastic animals, Scythian and ancient Turkic engravings, the largest Altai collection of runiform inscriptions

• Scythian Age Engravings from Kalbak-Tash I. Problems of Archeology, Ethnography, and Anthropology of Siberia and Adjacent Territories. 2019. (In Russ.).

• Research at Kalbak-Tash II. Problems of Archeology, Ethnography, and Anthropology of Siberia and Adjacent Territories. 2015. (In Russ.).

• Kalbak-Tash I Petroglyphs (Russian Altai). 2010. (In Russ.).

• History of Study of the Kalbak-Tash Sanctuary (Altai Republic). Ancient Finds in Siberia and Central Asia. 2010. (In Russ.).

• Kalbak-Tash II: Rock Art Site in Altai. Problems of Archeology, Ethnography, and Anthropology of Siberia and Adjacent Territories. 2007. (In Russ.).