The petroglyphs of Old Zalavruga were discovered by a research team led by V. Ravdanikas
in 1936, and are considered some of the most spectacular visual images of prehistoric
fisher-gatherer-hunters. The Old Zalavruga complex can be
divided into two separate compositions by its position upon the rock surface. However, some Russian
scholars distinguish three compositions.
The so-called central rock contains mainly depictions of deer, elks, boats and footprints.
In the later part of the Early Bronze Age the human figurine, snake and solar symbol have been added.
The smaller composition, located on the Western rock face, depicts a variety of subjects; the most striking
are of those of hunting and combat.