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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/221193
The rock art soundscapes of the Karakol valley (Republic of Altai, Russia): An archaeoacoustic study of a unique landscape
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Abstract
This article explores the presence of shamanism in the Karakol valley, analysing its
historical timeline from prehistoric to modern times. Scholarly opinions vary, suggesting
origins from the Neolithic to the modern era, with clearer depictions emerging in the
18th and 19th centuries. Acoustic tests conducted in four areas associated with shamanic
practices revealed inconclusive results due to their location in an open-air environment.
However, accounts of intense auditory experiences during shamanic rituals suggest
that, even if acoustics may be used in some occasions, there are other alternative
means of emotional control. It is argued that the lack of significant acoustic effects in
the tested sites does not rule out the possibility of shamanic rituals. The discussion
also delves into the representation of shamans in rock art and the interpretation of
results from acoustic tests, considering factors like reverberation and sound clarity.
This study highlights the complex interplay between shamanism, sensory experiences
and ritualistic practices in ancient societies.
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DÍAZ-ANDREU, Margarita, et al. The rock art soundscapes of the Karakol valley (Republic of Altai, Russia): An archaeoacoustic study of a unique landscape. Capítol 10 del llibre: Díaz-Andreu. M. & Santos da Rosa. Vol. (eds, num. Oxford:Oxbow, pags. 2024. [consulted: 17 of June of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/221193