photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Richard Stone | profile | all galleries >> Asia >> Mongolia >> Uushigiin Uver (Uushgiin Ovor), Mongolia tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Uushigiin Uver (Uushgiin Ovor), Mongolia


The Deer Stones at Uushigiin Uver (Uushgiin Ovor) are reputed to be the most spectacular in the world.

I was completely enthralled by this place and the incredible artistry and dedication that it took these people long ago to make these stones in order to honour their departed loved ones.
These stones date from the Scythian period (between 800 and 500 BC). You may also wish to look at the Scythian Bas Reliefs at Persepolis.

As described in the "Secret history of the Mongols", Reindeer were believed to have given birth to the Mongol Nation from a male wolf and female doe.
The reindeer are highly stylised and sophisticated with the background treated with dark red ochre.
Sometimes a hunter's weapons are portrayed on the deer stones.

The religious significance of the stones appears to be that the reindeer carry the soul of the departed up to the sun.
Such was their close and interconnected relationship with their Reindeer herds! Amazing!

Bronze age Deer Stones, Uushgii Ovor, Mongolia
Bronze age Deer Stones, Uushgii Ovor, Mongolia
Deer Stones, Uushgii Ovor
Deer Stones, Uushgii Ovor
Deer Stones, Uushgii Ovor
Deer Stones, Uushgii Ovor
Deer Stones, Uushgii Ovor
Deer Stones, Uushgii Ovor
Deer Stones, Uushgii Ovor
Deer Stones, Uushgii Ovor
stylized Reindeer on Deer Stones, Uushgii Ovor
stylized Reindeer on Deer Stones, Uushgii Ovor
Deer Stones, Uushgii Ovor
Deer Stones, Uushgii Ovor
Weapons and Tools on Deer Stones, Uushgii Ovor
Weapons and Tools on Deer Stones, Uushgii Ovor
Richard and Tanya, Deer Stone, Uushgii Ovor, Mongolia
Richard and Tanya, Deer Stone, Uushgii Ovor, Mongolia