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.
The Khakass families brought up their children according to their national
traditions and customs. There were a lot of rituals devoted to children's names
their first steps, hair, cradles. Parents wanted their children to be hardworking,
to respect adults, to love nature and heavenly bodies. They taught boys to work
at haymaking, to pasture cattle, to ride a horse. Girls washed dishes, milked
cows, made hides, did their hair, embroidered, sewed dresses, fur-coats and
foot wear.
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