Rags and rock art: the landscapes of holy site pilgrimage in the Republic of Kazakhstan

What is it about?

Tied rags may not have the permanence of lithics or metal artefacts traditionally associated with the stock in trade of archaeologists, but as objects of dedication they are worthy of archaeological attention – they lie at the heart of local religious practices which have incorporated rock art sites in Kazakhstan into the landscape of Islamic pilgrimage. Their role is explored through case studies of two sites by discussing the dynamics of their socio-political contexts and interconnections to everyday life. The tying of strips at these sites is the personal dedication of pilgrims to ancestors and saints, which are embedded in complex relationships related to how a community conceives and interacts with the tangible and intangible worlds around it.

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Why is it important?

This article importantly discusses the complexity of religious interactions at sacred sites in comtemporary Kazakhstan by Kazakh communities. It also demonstrates how special places in the landscape can be the focus of attention over long periods of time – in this case extending over at least 4000 years.

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