몽골 고대 유목민, 흉노의 암각화

Abstract

Based on the recent accomplishments of archeology, new light is shed on the Petroglyph during the Xiongnu era in Mongolia. The problem with the studies of rock carvings is the issue of chronological recording. Recently, as the researchers identified two covered wagons in Khanan Khad in Khovd Aimag Yamaan Us Valley, the picture of a covered wagon in Dundgov’ Aimag Deel Uul, rock carvings in Mon’ Uul in Öbur Mongghul-un Öbertegen Jasaqu Orun (Inner Mongolia), China, rock carvings in Argo Uul located in the midstream of Yenisei river(Gorlos), Russia and those in Boyar as those of the 2nd Century B.C. through the 2nd Century A.D., a standard work of the Xiongnu’s rock carvings could be prepared. The Xiongnu’s rock carvings is characterized by the style of drawing animals pairwise in the opposite direction or facing each other, and this is judged to symbolize the farmers’ wish to avoid drought and get an abundant harvest through timely raining. In addition, referring to the fact that horses or deer appear as saviors, helpers or protectors in the ancient myths and heroes’ epics, there is an opinion that it is a reflection of the mythology of worshiping the water. Most rock carvings during the Xiongnu era are distributed only in Mongolia, which is related to the gradual change from the worship of animals and natural phenomena to the worship of sky, earth, and ancestors’ souls. Moreover, as the Tamga letters were used, the custom of performing rites by drawing pictures on the rocks.