A comprehensive study of a Turkic-Period statue from the collection of the national historical museum of the Kyrgyz Republic

Abstract

Modern science is inconceivable without information technology, especially in fields that rely on field and experimental research. This is particularly relevant to archaeology, where comprehensively studying sites and artifacts is fundamental to the discipline. Traditional methods of archaeology, which require direct contact with objects, are often insufficiently effective or destructive. Despite its obvious advantages, directly examining an artifact has limitations. For example, many parameters are technically difficult or impossible to measure without causing damage. One solution to this and many other problems is digitizing archaeological objects using modern technology to create high-precision digital models that are virtually identical to the originals. This approach enables the acquisition of large data sets and facilitates repeated, comprehensive research. Digital copies allow for precise measurements of linear parameters, volumes, and angles, as well as analysis of surface texture and geometry. They also enable the identification of defects, documentation of tool marks, and generation of virtual cross-sections. This approach is particularly important for documenting and studying ancient and medieval stone sculptures. This article presents the results of using photogrammetry to create a digital copy of one of the significant artifacts housed in the National Historical Museum of the Kyrgyz Republic (Bishkek) and perform a detailed analysis of its imagery. The large-scale, three-dimensional sculpture of a male warrior was discovered near the village of Ichke-Suu in the Tup District of the Issyk-Kul Region. The newly published renders, geometric views, and graphic tracings provide a basis for examining not only the figure’s appearance, hairstyle, and costume details, but also the material culture items characteristic of the Early Middle Ages, particularly weaponry. The analogies provided have made it possible to date the artifact complex depicted on the sculpture to the late seventh – early eighth centuries. This corresponds to the period of the Turgesh Khaganate (699–756). The detailed sculpture should be classified as one of its artifacts. While creating digital replicas of stone sculptures and other archaeological objects requires financial investment, the results facilitate effective scientific research and provide high-quality museum visualization.