Petroglyphs are prehistroic rock carvings which were
made the ancient man. Petroplyphs are
exceptionally valuable evidence of
the remote past coming to us from the Neolithic Age.
The age of Karelian Petroglyphs is estimated at 6 thousand years.
Onego Lake Petroglyphs
Onego Lake Petroglyphs assemble is located on the Besov Nos (Demon's Cape) which is situated
at the eastern shore of Onego Lake. Local inhabitants attributed rock art to the activity of the "evil spirit".
This resulted in the name of the area, Besov Nos (Demon's Cape) and in later
attempts to neutralize the "devilish pictures" by carving Christian crosses on the
figures of the demon and a swan, probably dated back to the 15th Century.
White Sea Petroglyphs (Belomorskie) Petroglyphs assemble is called Zalavruga.
It is located in the forest not far from the town of Belomorsk.
What do Petroglyphs really mean?
There are a lot of theories trying to explain what prehistoric people wanted to express
with these signs. Sometimes it seems clear, when the attributes of real life are shown:
animals, birds, boats, humans. Hunting scenes could be explained as a demonstration of
"hunting magic". Petroglyphs of this kind are located in Zalavruga at the White Sea.
Onego Lake Petroglyphs in contrast to realistic White Sea Petroglyphs are more symbolic and fantastic.
They depict the sun and the moon, enigmatic signs and imaginary creatures. The ideas of prehistoric people about
the world around are conveyed in some pictures, for example, the sign of the moon has legs,
because the moon "goes" over the sky. Some Petroglyphs have no good explanation,
so everyone can put forward one's own theory.
Transport:
White Sea Petroglyphs - car or bus to Vygostrov village
(half way between Belomorsk town and M18 road), then a forest trail goes to the Petroglyphs
site (about 2 km).
Onego Lake Petroglyphs - boat from Petrozavodsk to Shala settlement, then boat or hiking
to the Petroglyphs site.
You can find a tour to Petroglyphs in our selection of
Karelia tours and Excursions.
The White Sea Petroglyphs
Onego Lake Petroglyphs
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