A Preliminary Report on a newly discovered Petroglyphic Complex near Jorbat, the Plain of Jajarm, Northeastern Iran

摘要

Petroglyphs are significant for the study of ancient cultures and economic activities as well as for their aesthetic qualities as an artistic expression. The newly discovered petroglyphic site of Jorbat to the north of the plain of Jajarm is one of the largest rock-art complexes of Iran. In terms of chronological depth, quantity, and quality of imagery, it is the richest complex in Northeastern Iran. Ranging from late Bronze Age to the ethnographic period, the rock art imagery of Jorbat has close parallels both in petroglyphic sites of the Central plateau of Iran and the Central Asian steppes. In this article, the most important images and compositions of the complex are briefly described. Using a comparative approach, an attempt is made to date and occasionally interpret images in their historical-geographical context.