Sketch Consciousness Observed in the Chiseled Rock Art of Longmenka, Rutog, Xizang

Abstract

Previous rock art research has focused primarily on the images themselves, and this study aims to supplement this gap by systematically investigating sketch consciousness in the production process of chiseled rock art at Longmenka, Rutog, Xizang. Employing field observation, simulation experiments, and spatial analysis, the study reveals the step-by-step creation process of Longmenka rock art (outlining contours first, then filling in details), which are manifested as preliminary positioning, line direction planning, and key part marking before image creation. The sketches are mainly in outline or line form with fine, shallow, and sparse chisel marks, and are more readily identifiable in unfinished rock art. Further analysis clarifies that this sketch consciousness serves to standardize image order and reduce production errors, and that it is not isolated but shares commonalities with rock art from multiple global sites (e.g., Mandela Mountain in Inner Mongolia, China; Alta, Norway; and the Black Desert in Jordan), reflecting similar cognitive patterns and compositional concepts in ancient human artistic creation. This study offers a new perspective for understanding the cognitive logic behind ancient rock art.