Pegtymel Petroglyphs, Archaeological site by Pegtymel River, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russia
Pegtymel Petroglyphs are ancient rock carvings spread across hundreds of stone surfaces along the Pegtymel River valley. The white quartz carvings create strong visual contrast against the darker surrounding rock faces.
Soviet geologists discovered these rock carvings in 1967 and dated them to around 2,000 years ago. This site represents the only known prehistoric art location above the Arctic Circle in Russia.
The rock carvings display scenes of hunting techniques, including groups pursuing bears with dogs and people in boats pursuing whales and reindeer.
The site is accessible only by helicopter due to its extreme remoteness in northeastern Russia near the East Siberian Sea. Visitors should prepare for harsh Arctic conditions and minimal visitor facilities.
Some carved figures display human forms with mushroom-shaped heads, hinting at ritualistic practices involving hallucinogenic fungi among ancient Arctic communities. These unusual depictions stand out distinctly from other known prehistoric art traditions.
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