LAUSR

This article is based on the results of fi eld studies in Northeast China (Dongbei) in 2012–2014. We describe 18 petroglyphic sites, most of which were hitherto unknown or little known to Russian, European, or Chinese scholars. All petroglyphs are located on open rock surfaces, vertical or horizontal. Two techniques were used—painting and carving. The most common paint was ocher of different shades: from tawny or maroon to bright orange; in rare cases, black paint was used. The distribution areas of the two techniques largely coincide with those of ethno-cultural groups occupying various parts of the region: paintings were distributed mostly in areas of mountain taiga whereas most carvings were found in the mountain steppe. Figurative images and abstract signs are discussed in detail. Most figurative images are either anthropomorphic or zoomorphic. Abstract signs include dots, circles, crosses and other geometric figures. Petroglyphs of Dongbei show numerous parallels with those of Mongolia, Trans-Baikal, Korea, and the Amur region.