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Journal of Sistan and Baluchistan Studies

Journal of Sistan and Baluchistan Studies

Rock Art of Sarmishsay (Uzbekistan): Techniques, Motifs, and Cultural Significance

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors
1 Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages
2 Samarkand State University named after Sharof Rashidov
3 1 Department of Art, Samarkand State Architecture and Construction University named after Mirzo Ulugbek, Samarkand, Uzbekistan 2 Department of Cultural Heritage, "Silk Road" International University of Tourism and Cultural
10.22034/jsbs.2026.579140.1142
Abstract
During the archaeological research conducted in Central Asia over the past few decades, a numerous rock art sites have been identified, which shows that the people of this region have carved their ideas and thoughts on rocks during different periods. In Uzbekistan, due to its mountainous landscape, more than one hundred and fifty rock art sites have been identified, one of the largest of which is Sarmishsay. In this article, the aim is to examine the technique of creating and the content of these motifs. In fact, these motifs are one of the most important sources for understanding the artistic expression, beliefs, and daily life of past communities. Several thousand motifs have been carved on the rocks at this site. They include zoomorphic, anthropomorphic, geometric, and unidentified motifs. The petroglyphs were created using four methods: engraving, engraving – pecking, pecking and Scratching. Although dating petroglyphs is difficult without laboratory analysis, the degree of patination and weathering of the motifs indicates that these motifs were made in different periods and do not belong to a single period. Due to the exposure of these motifs to natural factors such as rock erosion, wind and rain, parts of them are gradually disappearing. Protecting this site as one of the most important cultural heritage sites is essential because the diversity, thematic richness, and artistic beauty of its rock carvings can play an important role in attracting cultural tourists and researchers in the fields of history and archaeology, and help better introduce the region's cultural heritage at the national and international levels.
Keywords


Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 10 June 2026

  • Receive Date 19 April 2026
  • Revise Date 10 June 2026
  • Accept Date 10 June 2026
  • Publish Date 10 June 2026