Tools used in Tagar rock art: findings of an experimental traceological study

We describe the findings of traceological analysis and experiments with bronze and iron tools used by Tagar and Tes artists. Pecking traces these tools leave on the red Devonian sandstone were examined to assess which of them could be used in rock art production. At the first stage, a preliminary analysis of Tagar petroglyphs was carried out, and metal tools and weapons from the Martyanov Museum of Local History in Minusinsk were examined. Morphologically suitable ones were selected, and experimental tools were made of stone, copper alloys, and low-carbon steel. Experiments were conducted and samples of pecking traces were produced. At the last stage, these samples were compared with actual petroglyphs, and use-wear traces on experimental and actual tools were compared too. This approach made a direct comparison possible. Among the Tagar and Tes metal tools, those that had likely been used in rock art production were detected. A conclusion is made that no specialized tools destined for that purpose existed at that time in the Minusinsk Basin. Rather, multifunctional tools were used. These were made of tin bronze and low-carbon steel with thermal processing. Such tools first appear in the region in the Early Iron Age.