Ancient Khakassia

Many monuments of Ancient Khakassia, according to researchers, represent the World Pillar, a mythical axis connecting Lower (underworld), Medium (earth) and Upper (heaven) realms.

Okunev monuments

Human faces or ram heads are ofterv carved at the top of the Okunev monuments and symbolize the heavenly gods.

A three-eyed face with horns carving in the middle represents the deity of the entire universe. A muzzle of the fantasy creature, carved at the bottom part of the monument, depicts god of the Lower World.

The middle part of the monument is also divided by horizontal stripes into three sections- representing ttie heaven earth and underworld realms.

Menhirs

A menhir is shaped or natural standing stone erected by humans. Its height is much greater than its width. Menhirs are widely distributed throughout the world. They were built during different periods by people of various cultures and nations. Menhirs are the first man-made stone monuments. They are associated with the worship of stones.

Numerous menhirs, constructed by ancient cultures, are found across the Altai, Tuva, Khakassia and the Baikal region.

Menhirs served many different purposes including ceremonial, religious and astronomical. They also were used as grave markers, phallic symbols, center stones and border markers. The early menhirs didn’t have any carvings, but later were covered with drawings, ornaments, inscriptions and bas-reliefs. Menhirs stand as solitary stones and alignments, such as circular and rectangular enclosures (cromlech), horseshoe and rows. Standing stones have a long and b installation tradition.