During his visit to the prehistoric rock paintings in Altamira cave of Spain, great Pablo Picasso once exclaimed: "We’ve lagged back behind our previous generations". The great artist was deeply moved as the rock arts turned out to be a big world of dreams, intuitions, sensations, wishes and imaginations reflecting that mysterious time.
Thousands of rock paintings which, being pieces of art, are also indispensable historical evidences of the livelihood, rituals, customs, beliefs and faiths of the primordial times, created by artists of those epochs, are also found in the vastness of Mongolia. The rock art demonstrates surprising facts that the tribal seals representing ownership relations of 20000 years back are still found in usage as brands on the Mongolian horses today while the style of outfits and accessories of 5000 years ago are still in our clothing. Moreover, it is miraculous that depictions and facilities reminding the burial culture that existed in the Mongolian steppes 5000 years ago are also discovered on the territories of France and Switzerland.
In this sense, the ancient artists belong not only to Mongolia, they are cultural and historical heritage of all mankind of the world. We bow to them with deep and sincere respect.
The exhibition is on display in the Gallery of VU Central Library (Universiteto g. 3, 3rd floor) until 28 February 2023. Photos taken by Mr. B.Bayar in Bayan-Ulgii, Gobi-Altai, Umnugobi, Sukhbaatar, Khentii and Arkhangai aimags.
2023-01-31