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

Description

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 in northern Cukotka (dated to 2500 years ago). The book analyses 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. Cover Copyright Page Contents List of Figures and Tables Translator’s Introduction Preface Introduction 1. Graphics of Small Form as an Object of Research 2. Physiographic Characteristics of the Research Area 3. A Brief History of Archaeological Study in the Chaunskaya District Chapter I Cultural-Chronological Characteristics of the Archaeological Complex of the Rauchuvagytgyn I Site 1. Assemblage of Household Tools 2. Assemblage of Graphic Miniatures Chapter II The Semantic Interpretation of the Graffiti 1. Perceptions of the World Model 2. Mushroom Theme in Graffiti Subjects 2a. Symbolism of Mushroom-Like Images 2b. Functional Use of Amanita Mushrooms 3. The Phallic Motif in the Graffiti Subjects 4. The Tree Motif in Graffiti Subjects Chapter III Ethnic Identification of the Ymyyakhtakh Culture Conclusion Postscript Bibliography Appendix