The Enigmatic World of Ancient Graffiti: The Chaunskaya Region, Russia

This monograph is devoted to small forms of engraving on stone. It summarizes the archaeological material obtained during the course of excavations at the Rauchuvagytgyn I site (dated to 2500 years ago) in northern Chukotka. The book analyzes the content and semantics of the pictorial resources, and ethnic identification is made. The interpretive part of the study raises issues of an ideological character and brings one closer to the inaccessible realm of ideas and concepts of the ancients. This well-illustrated book is directed primarily toward archaeologists, ethnographers, historians, and fine art experts but will also be of interest to a broad range of readers.

Table of Contents

Translator’s Introduction Preface Introduction Chapter I. Cultural and Chronological Characteristics of the Rauchuvagytgyn I Site Chapter II. The Semantic Interpretation of the Graffiti Chapter III. Ethnic Identification of the Ymyyakhtakh Culture Conclusion Postscript References Appendix