Newfound Petroglyphs of Qonaq Qiran, Ardabil, NW Iran

Abstract

Petroglyphs, as one of the earliest forms of art, are highly valued evidence in fields such as archaeology, art history, and anthropology. A significant number of petroglyphs have thus far been identified and documented throughout Iran, with Northwestern Iran, particularly the eastern part of the region (Ardabil province), standing out in this regard. This province is home to a large collection of petroglyphs, most notably concentrated in Mashkinshahr County, at such sites as Shahar Yeri, Sheikh Madi, Ahoo Darasi, Moshiran, and Khanum Alilu. During a recent survey at the Qonaq Qiran village, Ardabil County, a total of 50 petroglyphs were identified and documented.The present descriptive-comparative study utilised field and library research to classify these petroglyphs typologically and to attempt relative dating. The recorded motifs were categorised into three general groups: human figures, animals, and symbols. They were thus comparable with the known depictions in northwestern Iran and other regions. Considering the archaeological context of the regional landscape, a tentative dating of this rock art site was suggested for the first millennium BCE.

Keywords

• northwest iran
• petroglyphs
• archaeology
• comparative studies