Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 M.A. Graduate, Department of Archaeology from Isfahan Art University, Isfahan, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor Department of Archeology Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

In ancient times, artists employed simple lines to carve images, leaving behind marks that reflect their identity and skill. These artworks, characterized by their distinctive features, prompt a more discerning examination of the engraved shapes on stone surfaces. They offer valuable insights into ecosystems, as well as the interplay between human life and the natural world, enriching both the fields of art history and archaeology. Within Tafarsh City and its environs, notable examples of such artwork endure, contributing significantly to the study of art and archaeology in the region. The primary objective of this research is to conduct a comprehensive and systematic investigation into the petroglyphs found in the villages of Zaghar, Derbar, Haftan, and Qaleh Ghamt Kuh, situated within Tafarsh City. This investigation aims to analyze these petroglyphs in terms of their typology, cultural symbolism, relative chronology, and geological context. By addressing these aspects, the research endeavors to answer two key questions: firstly, the timeframe to which the petroglyphs in the Tafarsh region belong, based on typological comparisons; and secondly, the societal context in which these petroglyphs were created, specifically whether they were produced by nomadic or settled communities. The data collection process involved initial identification through field surveys, followed by photography and documentation using the mollage vector method. However, due to the absence of laboratory facilities, the determination of their temporal context relies primarily on semantic and conceptual interpretation, allowing for only an approximate estimation of their age. The prevailing belief is that these paintings date back to the Sassanid period. Given that all four locations are situated adjacent to the Mal-Rou roads, likely part of the nomad route, it is hypothesized that the petroglyphs are associated with communities linked to the Koch-Ro nomadic groups

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