Experimental modeling as a method of rock art research (by historiography of the problem)

The contemporary rock art investigations pose a number of problems which can be solved by experimental studies of technologies of petroglyphs production. Experimental simulation is a specific method in archaeology and it holds a special place in terms of methodology. There is a system of techniques which are universal for technological and traceological or use-wear studies. However, the experimental researches of rock art exhibit some specificity which is the subject of this paper. This work is devoted to the basic principles and techniques which are universal for technological and traceological researches in archaeology and also the opportunities of their application in rock art studies are represented here. The goals and objectives of experimental investigations with different methodological orientation are précised. The attention is paid to the degree of accuracy of technological reconstructions, on the possibilities of complete replication of technological process of petroglyphs creation and on the possibilities of extrapolation of the experimental simulation results on the object of research. These paper is also devoted to précising of some terms which are used in technological investigations of rock art.