Fake petroglyphs in the Almaty region have surprised history enthusiasts.
According to reports citing the discoverer Ahmad Baidauren, the images were created using the technique of picketing (pecking).
The announcement of the discovery generated a significant response in the media and social networks. In recent years, petroglyphs have become increasingly popular, almost transforming into a national symbol. The peoples who inhabited our territory since the Bronze Age had a developed culture. Over 3,000 to 4,000 years ago, they were skilled metallurgists, producing bronze and constructing chariots. Approximately 3,200 years ago, during the era of Troy, majestic pyramids were built in central Kazakhstan for deceased leaders, and people lived in large proto-cities. For a long time, these cultures were non-literate, which fostered the development of visual arts. Numerous rock outcrops in the mountains and foothills became natural canvases for ancient artists, who depicted everyday scenes, hunting, wars, and cult images.
The dry climate contributed to the preservation of these drawings. According to historians, Kazakhstan has over 300 large clusters of petroglyphs, along with several hundred smaller ones. The total number of drawings is estimated to exceed 300,000. It cannot be ruled out that Kazakhstan holds the world record for the number of preserved ancient rock drawings. It is no coincidence that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted in his speech at the Third National Kurultai this March that "Kazakhstan is rightly called the 'land of petroglyphs'."
Rock images are increasingly trending. Merchandise lines featuring petroglyphs have appeared on the market; for instance, this year, the brand Almaty Soul launched a line showcasing these ancient designs. In total, several dozen companies in Kazakhstan produce clothing and accessories adorned with petroglyphs. The main botanical garden in Almaty is preparing to open the "Arkalan" petroglyph park. Visit Almaty held a master class for journalists on petroglyph studies at the end of October. In short, petroglyphs are in vogue. It's no surprise that the news of this unique finding attracted widespread attention and stirred excitement among media enthusiasts.
However, the commotion was not due to the value of the discovery, but rather because for the first time in Kazakhstan, a counterfeit petroglyph has appeared. Moreover, it is a crude forgery—though it's hard to expect high craftsmanship from the very first fake.
Firstly, the style of the images does not resemble any style found among Kazakhstan's petroglyphs.
Secondly, there is no sign of the picketing technique on the stone. Picketing results in numerous tiny depressions. The upper dark layer of the stone is removed, revealing a lighter lower layer. If the drawings are over 3,000 years old, the lower layer fades and becomes indistinguishable in color from the stone's surface. The only indication of the image is its relief. In the case of the Almaty find, the drawings are much darker than the stone.
The drawings on the stone are painted over. Ancient people did not have such paint. They used ochre, but it was not used to cover engraved images, and ochre quickly fades in the open air. It only remains in caves and under overhangs, and it is yellowish or red.
There are other signs that reveal the forgery. However, it is unnecessary to list them all. The announcement of the discovery included a phone number for more details about the stone. This same phone number was also posted on flyers around Almaty about how to behave when encountering the Zheztyrnak. Anyone who took the time to call could quickly verify that the unique stone, which sparked hundreds of responses on social media, was actually a teaser for a new horror film titled “Zheztyrnak.” Interestingly, it turned out that most people discussing the find did not make the call and spent several days seriously debating it.
No one can argue that forgeries are undesirable. However, when historical and cultural codes begin to be utilized in marketing, it indicates a significant public interest in history. Moreover, the use of historical images in advertising serves as an unintentional promotion of historical science, drawing attention to our past. Reminding us of our fascinating history is always beneficial, especially when discovering the true meaning behind such an astonishing find is quite simple—just one phone call is all it takes.
Yuri Dorokhov,
scientific volunteer at the Public Foundation “Hunters for Petroglyphs”
