Petroglyphs and pictographs: Interpretation of rock art linked to water resources, terraces and astronomy

The study aimed to interpret the rock art of petroglyphs and pictographs in the context of water resources, terrace systems and astronomy in the Sondondo Valley (Ayacucho-Peru) using detailed documentation techniques such as measurements, sketches and photographs, a deep understanding of the representations found on the site. The results revealed the presence of two different forms of rock percussion: circular holes carved in basaltic rocks, were possibly used for water collection and ritual purposes; and a miniature irrigation model, which precisely represents the terrace system, highlighting the technique and cultural importance of these structures in water management and local agriculture. The conclusions highlight the sophisticated hydraulic engineering adapted to local conditions, as well as the complex interconnection between daily life, nature and the cosmology of pre-Hispanic cultures, evidenced in the detailed pictographs and astronomical representations found in the rocks of the valley.