Whale and Human Images

The social environment of prehistoric humans appears in cultural images found in cave paintings, geoglyphs, and petroglyphs. Archaeological and ethnographic records that convey stories, spiritual beliefs, or significant events utilize symbols. The discovery of the Bangudae Petroglyphs in South Korea is a case in which one must analyze ecological illustrations of a prehistoric heritage to apply the geo-cultural concept of UNESCO World Heritage (#1740). What is the temporal and spatial origin of these petroglyphs? What objects did prehistoric humans depict in them? Why are they so unique in the Korean Peninsula? How can we interpret the images of whales and humans within them? Researchers have explored many of the world’s petroglyphs, but few studies have attempted to establish the identity of the Korean petroglyphs. This study investigates the Bangudae images from an anthropo-archaeological perspective, considering prehistoric traditions, maritime culture, social practices, and past events alongside other petroglyphs of the Northeast Pacific coastline rim. In particular, it examines diverse whales and the mysterious images of humans in the Bangudae Petroglyphs to determine that the isolated region was a sacred space in approximately 5000 BCE. At that time, the Late Neolithic and Early Bronze maritime community regularly performed rituals indigenous to maritime deities (like Yong-wang), seeking the safety of whale hunters and a tribe’s prosperity.