Analysis and relative chronology of modern petroglyphs of Central Zagros

Subject Areas : Archaeology

Sahra Saki ^{1 *} , Saeed Rehimi ² , Reza Rezaloo ³

1 -
2 - University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil
3 - university of ardabili mohaghegh

Received: 2025-01-09 Accepted : 2025-03-15 Published : 2025-03-18

Keywords: petroglyph, newly discovered, Central Zagros, Dorud, rock art, animal motifs,

Abstract :

Humans have depicted their lives, daily activities, beliefs, and traditions through carvings on cave walls and rock surfaces. Petroglyphs serve as the most significant evidence for studying the lifestyle, artistic roots, and cultural heritage of ancient peoples. This research aims to identify and analyze newly discovered petroglyphs in Dorud County, Lorestan Province, while conducting a comparative study with other rock art sites in the Central Zagros region. The study focuses on motif symbolism and relative chronology. Field surveys were conducted to document the petroglyphs, followed by detailed tracings and comparative analysis using library-based research. The newly discovered petroglyphs in Dorud County are located across four villages: Chubdar, Shersher, Zāgheh, and Sarangeh. The findings indicate that these motifs were created during various periods, including prehistoric, historic, and Islamic eras, and show similarities with other Central Zagros petroglyphs (e.g., Borujerd and Kuhdasht in Lorestan, Golpayegan in Isfahan). The most frequent motifs include ibexes, followed by human figures, horses, camels, and tools. The carvings are executed in simple, stylized, and profile forms, with some ibex horns depicted three-dimensionally. The petroglyphs in Chubdar, Zāgheh, and Sarangeh were created using a pecking technique, while those in Shersher were made through abrasion. The tools used for these carvings were likely made of metal and stone.

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