Classification of Anthropomorphic Images in Karakol Rock Art Based on Formal-Typological Parameters

Abstract

The Karakol culture is known for its burial sites that feature stone cist graves with distinctive painted, pecked, and engraved anthropomorphic images. V. D. Kubarev outlined their basic stylistic elements, however, more detailed classification based on statistically verifiable formal and typological criteria remains unexplored. Such a classification would enable a more robust comparative analysis of the broader rock and portable art within the Karakol-Okunev circle. This article addresses this gap by proposing classification of Karakol anthropomorphic figures, developed through the statistical analysis of formal-typological attributes – specifically, cluster and K-means methods. The resulting taxonomy identifies five distinct groups: relief dynamic “bull-headed” figures; frontal figures with feather-like attributes; relief “sun-headed” figures; figures with horns and “pectoral”; and finally, “others”.

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