THE ROLE OF ROCK PAINTINGS IN UNDERSTANDING PREHISTORIC SOCIETIES: EVIDENCE FROM SARMISHSOY AND LASCAUX

Abstract

This   article   explores   the   scholarly   study   of   the   Sarmishsay petroglyphs, one of the most significant and historically valuable archaeological sites in  Uzbekistan.  It  examines  the  discovery  of  the  rock  carvings,  stages  of  their academic  research,  and  the  contributions  of  both  foreign  and  local  scholars.  The spiritual,  social,  and  philosophical  meanings  embedded  in  these  ancient  artistic representations    are    revealed    through    analysis.    The    article    highlights    the interdisciplinary  role  of  archaeology,  anthropology,  and  art  history  in  understanding the petroglyphs. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance and necessity of digitally documenting  the  site  through  modern  technologies  such  as  laser  scanning  and Reflectance  Transformation  Imaging  (RTI).  The  study  also  discusses  strategies  for preserving  this  cultural  heritage  and  introducing  it  into  international  academic discourse for the benefit of future generations.