Saimaluu Tash and Zhaltyrak Tash. An introduction to high-altitude petroglyphs in Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

Like neighbouring southern Kazakhstan, mountainous Kyrgyzstan is rich in petroglyph sites from the Bronze Age to the Turkic Age. The largest and most important site is Saimaluu Tash, a remote place in the eastern Fergana Mountain Range where the petroglyphs are exceptionally well preserved. Most striking are the images of ploughs and light chariots, since the activities associated with such tools and vehicles cannot take place at such high altitudes, but only in valleys and plains. The meaning of such images may be found in ancient mythology.