Rock Art Research

Vol. 38 No. 2 (2021)
Published : Nov 5, 2021

CELESTIAL HORSES OF DUL-DUL AT: PETROGLYPHS AS THE SITE OF TRANSFORMATION AND INTERACTION IN THE KYRGYZ FERGANA VALLEY

Sylwia Pietrowiak (1)

(1) Faculty of History, University of Gdansk, Poland
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Abstract

This article presents an analysis of the research material collected at the site of Dul-dul at in Aravan, in the Fergana Valley, Kyrgyzstan. It is an archaeological site featuring petroglyphs representing equine and other figures with human and non-human characteristics. It is also a pilgrimage and ritual site for healing and fertility-related spiritual practices. Pilgrims, healers and local inhabitants conceptualise the rock covered by petroglyphs as the site inhabited by agentive beings. The paper demonstrates how the petroglyphs of Aravan are involved in a constant transformation of the rock through interaction and relationships formed with it by human and non-human beings.