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Journal of Sistan and Baluchistan Studies

Journal of Sistan and Baluchistan Studies

NEWLY DISCOVERED ROCK ART IN THE ULUU-TOO AREA (SOUTHERN KYRGYZSTAN): Archaeological context, technology and preliminary interpretation

Document Type : Review Article

Authors
1 Osh State University
2 Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic
3 «Silk Road» International University of Tourism
10.22034/jsbs.2026.579374.1144
Abstract
Over the past few decades, the importance and necessity of paying attention to rock art in archaeological studies have increased, and this art has been identified and documented across the world. Central Asia, due to its geographical and environmental characteristics, has witnessed the creation of a wide variety of motifs on rocks during different periods, and today the region has a high potential for rock art research. During a recent archaeological survey in Kyrgyzstan, a newly discovered rock art complex was identified in the Aravan Mountains, southern part of Ferghana Valley. This paper presents the first documentation and preliminary analysis of this complex at the Uluu-Too site. The site was found during the 2025 field season and consists of six sandstone panels with a total of 15 motifs, including zoomorphs, anthropomorphs, geometric shapes, a solar motif, and unknown shapes. The motifs were created using three different techniques: engraving pecked and pecked-abraded technique. The abundance of horse representations indicates the importance of this animal in the economic and cultural life of nomadic communities. The degree of weathering and patination indicates that they were created at different times. However, absolute dating is not currently possible, so laboratory-based analysis is necessary to provide a more secure scientific dating framework. This site, along with other petroglyphs identified in Kyrgyzstan, indicates the high potential of the region for rock art research and tourism development.
Keywords


Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 01 July 2026

  • Receive Date 26 April 2026
  • Revise Date 21 June 2026
  • Accept Date 01 July 2026
  • Publish Date 01 July 2026