Ceremonial sexual act as restoring of space balance berween life and death (interpretation experience of plots of Absheron petroglyphs of II-I thous. B.C.)

Abstract

Rare petroglyphs with images of sexual scenes were observed in Absheron territory (Azerbaijan Republic) in the middle of XX century. Petroglyphs belonged to Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age (III thous. B.C.) and were discovered on laying stones of hieratic sanctuary in Bendustu stand (Shuvelan village). Sexual scenes refect both heterosexual and homosexual acts. Analysis of location conditions, historical and cultural environment and primitive ritualism allowed to come to conclusion about ceremonial character of imaged plots.