Rock carvings, which provide information about the lifestyle, beliefs, and worldview of people thousands of years ago, have withstood the test of time, but in modern times, they face another threat. This is because some tourists and vandals writing on rocks, drawing pictures, and scratching ancient petroglyphs cause serious damage to historical heritage.
In recent years, a number of such incidents have been recorded in various regions of Russia.
Modern inscriptions on ancient petroglyphs
One such incident occurred in 2021 in the Altai Republic, in the area of the Chuy tract. Two tourists wrote in large blue letters on the rocks along the road: “Are you ready for the unification of Vyazma and Novosibirsk?” The incident was discovered by local guide Karchaga Takhanov, who filmed his conversation with the individuals and published it. After the images spread on social networks, the incident caused serious public outcry.
The environmental prosecutor's office identified the tourists. Each of them was fined 1,500 rubles. In addition, the tourists transferred 7,000 rubles to the “Chisty Altai” volunteer movement. The inscription was difficult to clean by activists.
Paintings on 2,000-year-old carvings
In 2017, a more serious act of vandalism was recorded on Kunya Mountain in Khakassia. Large letters and various drawings were painted with paint over rock carvings more than two thousand years old. As a result, images of animals, birds, and humans were damaged. Experts stated that it is extremely difficult to clean the paint without causing additional damage to the rock surface.
The police identified the perpetrator. A resident of Krasnoyarsk confessed to his act, stating that he wanted to leave an inscription on the rock and allegedly did not see the ancient carvings. A criminal case was initiated under Part 2 of Article 243 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation regarding the incident.
The role of local residents in the fight against vandalism
In 2022, inscriptions were also discovered at the Oshkol rock monument in Khakassia. A local resident saw the inscriptions, took photos of them, and informed the relevant authorities. The State Inspectorate for the Protection of Cultural Heritage Objects sent the materials to the regional police. As a result, a criminal case was initiated under Part 1 of Article 243 of the Criminal Code.
This incident shows that not only state institutions but also the attention of local residents and the public play an important role in the protection of ancient monuments.
5,000-year-old petroglyphs could not be protected from vandalism either
The Kiya rock carvings in the Khabarovsk Territory also fell victim to vandalism. Modern inscriptions such as “Makhanya was here” and “Anya is the best” were discovered on the rocks where petroglyphs with a history of approximately five millennia are located. Lines were drawn with chalk over some ancient carvings. Experts stated that even the process of cleaning these inscriptions could have an additional impact on the stone surface, and it might not be possible to fully restore the monument to its original state.
Later, new drawings scratched with a metal object were also discovered on the ancient carvings. After examination, the police initiated a criminal case under Article 243 of the Criminal Code.
Transparent dome to protect petroglyphs
The Kanozero petroglyphs in the Murmansk region have also attracted the attention of tourists over the years. As early as 2006, scientists and environmentalists reported that tourists were engraving modern inscriptions directly onto ancient petroglyphs.
To protect the monument, a large transparent protective dome was later built over the main group of petroglyphs. The structure protects more than 600 rock carvings from both natural influences and acts of vandalism that people might commit.
Volunteers are also mobilized to clean the rocks
The protection of ancient rock carvings in Russia is not limited to punitive measures. Within the framework of various public-state projects, work is also carried out to clean modern inscriptions on the rocks. For example, within the framework of projects of the Russian Geographical Society, approximately 3.2 thousand square meters of rock surface in Altai have been cleaned of modern inscriptions. In the “Lena Pillars” national park, cleaning work was carried out on a 200-meter-long rock wall. Volunteers and scientists participated in these projects, and grant support was also provided for the implementation of the work.
What punishment awaits those who damage such rock monuments?
In Russia, damage to historical and archaeological objects with legal protection status can lead to criminal liability. Article 243 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation provides for liability for damage or destruction of cultural heritage objects, including objects of historical and archaeological significance. In severe cases, the punishment can reach up to 6 years of imprisonment.
When damage is caused to objects without legal protection status, the matter may in some cases result in administrative liability, a fine, and a demand to eliminate the damage caused.
Let's not forget that rock carvings are not just ancient drawings on stone. They carry important historical information about the lives of people who lived thousands of years ago. Therefore, drawing modern inscriptions and pictures on such monuments endangers not only their external appearance but also their scientific and cultural value for future generations.
Ulviyya FARHAD
