Considering Petroglyphs of Birjand in Arid Environments, East Central Iran

Recent field works have shown a great potential of rock art in eastern Iran, particularly in South Khorasan province. This paper is based on recent fieldworks, which have resulted in identifying new clusters of petroglyphs at Birjand. Khazān, Aso, Kāfarkuh and Lākhduldul have been identified in this region. The major technique applied for these petroglyphs is hammering, sometimes rubbing and very rarely engraving. The images at the aforementioned sites include zoomorphs, anthropomorphs and geometric motifs, undiscernible shapes and some inscriptions engraved on boulders. Although a preliminary chronology can be established based on patination and archaeological evidence, we cannot suggest an exact dating for them. Therefore, more fieldworks and micro-erosion analysis will be required for absolute dating.