Katon-karagai district

The Mayemer petroglyphs are a unique archaeological complex located in the Katon-Karagay District of East Kazakhstan Region. The monuments are situated on the eastern and southern outskirts of the village of Mayemer. During a recent archaeological expedition, the coordinates of four monuments within the complex were clarified:

1. Mayemer-Tanbalytas (Coordinates: N 49º10′14.91″, E 85º01′00.64″, Elevation: 820 m) (Figure 1);

2. Mayemer-Tarlau (Coordinates: N 49º09′53.38″, E 85º00′27.82″, Elevation: 886 m) (Figure 2);

3. Mayemer (Coordinates: N 49º10′26.32″, E 84º59′05.65″, Elevation: 737 m) (Figure 3);

4. Mayemer-Zaimke (Coordinates: N 49º10′38.37″, E 85º00′23.32″, Elevation: 750 m) (Figure 4).

Research on the Mayemer complex has been ongoing since 1997, and this archaeological site plays a key role in the study of Saka culture. The importance of the complex lies in the abundance of petroglyphs and other archaeological artifacts, which provide deeper insight into the symbolism, religious beliefs, and economic activities of ancient Saka tribes. Further research of the Mayemer monuments is of particular importance for reconstructing the cultural and historical landscape of East Kazakhstan during the Early Iron Age.

A distinctive feature of the Mayemer petroglyphs is that all the images belong exclusively to the early and developed Saka periods, without any influence from other historical eras. Particularly notable are the depictions of deer with beak-shaped snouts, executed in the style and technique of "deer stones," characteristic of Central Asia. This style is typical of the art of nomadic peoples of the time.

One particularly interesting image is that of an eagle with its head turned backward (Figure 5), which corresponds to similar motifs found on gold ornaments from Shilikty and Zhalauly, as well as on the petroglyphs of Eshkiolmes in Zhetysu. Also remarkable are figures of deer with triangular withers, round eyes, and richly decorated antlers, standing delicately on tiptoe, showcasing exquisite artistic execution (Figure 6).

Another unique feature is a circular symbol composed of six ibex protomes, which adds particular value to this site. In close proximity to the petroglyphs is the Mayemer-2 burial site, with materials that are chronologically aligned with the images on the rocks. This suggests that both sites are connected and belong to the same cultural tradition.