Olenty Petroglyph Site
On the right bank of the Olenty River, extending 10 km (6 mi) southwest of the village of Tai, lies a collection of rock paintings dating back to the Chalcolithic, Bronze, and Iron Ages.
The site was discovered by geologist O. Mol in 1972. It features 17 stones adorned with around 50 petroglyphs. The depictions include bulls, deer, horses, camels, and felines. Notably, a majority of the paintings are associated with fertility cults, portraying scenes of an erotic nature.
The Olenty petroglyphs showcase a lack of detail, a characteristic typical of very ancient rock art where limbs are minimally defined.
Regrettably, the present state of the site paints a disheartening picture. Some images have been cut off from the stones, and many are obscured by moss, making them less discernible. The lack of protection and maintenance of the area is evident. However, the locals are trying to preserve the site by building a fence, installing benches, and trash cans.
How to get there?
Location: Kazakhstan, Pavlodar region, Tai village.
You can get to Olenty Petroglyph Site by car from Pavlodar or Ekibastuz. The distance from Pavlodar to the Tai village is 214 km (133 mi), the trip will take about 2 hours and 40 minutes. You can also reach the village from Ekibastuz in an hour and a half; the distance is 93 km (58 mi).
Other tourist attractions near the Olenty Petroglyph Site:
- Lake Kobeituz
- Mausoleum of Mashkhur Zhusup Kopeyev
- Ereymentau Mountains
- Buiratau National Park
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