Mounds

Mounds are large piles of rough mountain stones or smooth river stones or a combination of the two types. Most mounds are probably funerary in function; that is, they were raised at the time of an individual’s death and to mark that person’s burial. Whether, however, the body was actually placed under the mound or in a burial chamber sunk into the ground, varies according to period and culture. Single mounds may be simple or collared: that is, ringed with a contrastingly colored stone or with vertical stones of a tooth-like appearance tilted toward the center of the structure. Four-cornered mounds are a variation on the structure type and have been definitively identified as Bronze Age burials. Rows of mounds arranged roughly from north to south are usually understood as burial mounds of the Early Nomadic period (Late Bronze–Early Iron Ages). Some low mounds found in association with khirigsuur may have functioned as altars.

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Mound of rough stones, one of many in immediate area. Bronze Age. Right bank Khovd Gol at entrance to Bota Moin. View west up confluence of Tsagaan Gol.

Heavy stone mounds appearing individually or in randomly organized groups across a high slope, along a high terrace, or overlooking a river were probably funerary in function but not necessarily burials. There are literally hundreds of these mounds throughout mountainous Bayan Ölgiy. They are believed to date to the Bronze Age.

Mound of rough stones, one of many in immediate area. Bronze Age. Right bank Khovd Gol at entrance to Bota Moin. View west up confluence of Tsagaan Gol. Heavy stone mounds appearing individually or in randomly organized groups across a high slope, along a high terrace, or overlooking a river were probably funerary in function but not necessarily burials. There are literally hundreds of these mounds throughout mountainous Bayan Ölgiy. They are believed to date to the Bronze Age.

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Mound surmounted by fallen boulder. D. 8 m. Bronze Age. High terrace, left bank Khöltövötiin Gol. View west towards Tsengel Khairkhan Nuuru.

Heavy stone mounds appearing individually or in randomly organized groups across a high slope, along a high terrace, or overlooking a river were probably funerary in function but not necessarily burials. There are literally hundreds of these mounds throughout mountainous Bayan Ölgiy. They are believed to date to the Bronze Age.

Mound surmounted by fallen boulder. D. 8 m. Bronze Age. High terrace, left bank Khöltöötiin Gol. View west towards Tsengel Khairkhan Nuuru. Heavy stone mounds appearing individually or in randomly organized groups across a high slope, along a high terrace, or overlooking a river were probably funerary in function but not necessarily burials. There are literally hundreds of these mounds throughout mountainous Bayan Ölgiy. They are believed to date to the Bronze Age.

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Mound. D. 11 m. Bronze Age. High terrace, left bank Khöltsöötiin Gol. View east down river.

Heavy stone mounds appearing individually or in randomly organized groups across a high slope, along a high terrace, or overlooking a river were probably funerary in function but not necessarily burials. There are literally hundreds of these mounds throughout mountainous Bayan Ölgiy. They are believed to date to the Bronze Age.

Mound. D. 11 m. Bronze Age. High terrace, left bank Khöltsöötiin Gol. View east down river. Heavy stone mounds appearing individually or in randomly organized groups across a high slope, along a high terrace, or overlooking a river were probably funerary in function but not necessarily burials. There are literally hundreds of these mounds throughout mountainous Bayan Ölgiy. They are believed to date to the Bronze Age.

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Collared mound with frame of vertical stones. D. 6.5 m. Bronze Age. Left bank Khar Chuluut Gol. View west.

These are mounds with marked frames. In some cases, the frames are composed of stones of contrasting color and texture. Some collared mounds are distinguished by vertical stones leaning in toward the center of the mound. These two mound types are believed to date to the Bronze Age. A rare form of collared mound is framed by a sun-burst arrangement of stones. The dates and functions of these more unusual mound types are uncertain.

Collared mound with frame of vertical stones. D. 6.5 m. Bronze Age. Left bank Khar Chuluut Gol. View west. These are mounds with marked frames. In some cases, the frames are composed of stones of contrasting color and texture. Some collared mounds are distinguished by vertical stones leaning in toward the center of the mound. These two mound types are believed to date to the Bronze Age. A rare form of collared mound is framed by a sun-burst arrangement of stones. The dates and functions of these more unusual mound types are uncertain.

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Collared mound or square khirigsuur, constructed with massive boulders. Bronze Age. Zoost Ereg, left bank Sagsay Gol. View east.

These are mounds with marked frames. In some cases, the frames are composed of stones of contrasting color and texture. Some collared mounds are distinguished by vertical stones leaning in toward the center of the mound. These two mound types are believed to date to the Bronze Age. A rare form of collared mound is framed by a sun-burst arrangement of stones. The dates and functions of these more unusual mound types are uncertain.

Collared mound or square khirigsuur, constructed with massive boulders. Bronze Age. Zoost Ereg, left bank Sagsay Gol. View east. These are mounds with marked frames. In some cases, the frames are composed of stones of contrasting color and texture. Some collared mounds are distinguished by vertical stones leaning in toward the center of the mound. These two mound types are believed to date to the Bronze Age. A rare form of collared mound is framed by a sun-burst arrangement of stones. The dates and functions of these more unusual mound types are uncertain.

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Collared mound with frame of vertical stones. D. 10 m. Bronze Age. On terrace above left bank Nutsgenii Gol. View northeast.

These are mounds with marked frames. In some cases, the frames are composed of stones of contrasting color and texture. Some collared mounds are distinguished by vertical stones leaning in toward the center of the mound. These two mound types are believed to date to the Bronze Age. A rare form of collared mound is framed by a sun-burst arrangement of stones. The dates and functions of these more unusual mound types are uncertain.

Collared mound with frame of vertical stones. D. 10 m. Bronze Age. On terrace above left bank Nutsgenii Gol. View northeast. These are mounds with marked frames. In some cases, the frames are composed of stones of contrasting color and texture. Some collared mounds are distinguished by vertical stones leaning in toward the center of the mound. These two mound types are believed to date to the Bronze Age. A rare form of collared mound is framed by a sun-burst arrangement of stones. The dates and functions of these more unusual mound types are uncertain.

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Collared mound or round khirigsuur with frame of large, light colored boulders. Three depressions in mound. D. 23 m, ht. 1.5 m. Left bank Bilugiin Gol. Bronze Age. View west.

These are mounds with marked frames. In some cases, the frames are composed of stones of contrasting color and texture. Some collared mounds are distinguished by vertical stones leaning in toward the center of the mound. These two mound types are believed to date to the Bronze Age. A rare form of collared mound is framed by a sun-burst arrangement of stones. The dates and functions of these more unusual mound types are uncertain.

Collared mound or round khirigsuur with frame of large, light colored boulders. Three depressions in mound. D. 23 m, ht. 1.5 m. Left bank Bilugiin Gol. Bronze Age. View west. These are mounds with marked frames. In some cases, the frames are composed of stones of contrasting color and texture. Some collared mounds are distinguished by vertical stones leaning in toward the center of the mound. These two mound types are believed to date to the Bronze Age. A rare form of collared mound is framed by a sun-burst arrangement of stones. The dates and functions of these more unusual mound types are uncertain.

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Four cornered mound with double corner stones on NE and SW; single stones at NW, SE, and center. Side 4.2 m. Bronze Age. On high terrace overlooking Kulunda and confluence of Khovd and Godon Gol. View east.

Four-cornered mounds are low and square in form with visually impressive boulders at their four corners and one in the center. They are generally aligned with their sides to the four quarters. Four-cornered mounds are found singly or in small groups, frequently in proximity to a khirigsuur.

Excavations of these structures indicate that they are modest burials from the Bronze Age.

Four cornered mound with double corner stones on NE and SW; single stones at NW, SE, and center. Side 4.2 m. Bronze Age. On high terrace overlooking Kulunda and confluence of Khovd and Godon Gol. View east. Four-cornered mounds are low and square in form with visually impressive boulders at their four corners and one in the center. They are generally aligned with their sides to the four quarters. Four-cornered mounds are found singly or in small groups, frequently in proximity to a khirigsuur. Excavations of these structures indicate that they are modest burials from the Bronze Age.

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Four cornered mound with large dark stones at corners and white boulders in center. Side 5.25 m. Bronze Age. Left bank Sogoo Gol. View southwest.

Four-cornered mounds are low and square in form with visually impressive boulders at their four corners and one in the center. They are generally aligned with their sides to the four quarters. Four-cornered mounds are found singly or in small groups, frequently in proximity to a khirigsuur.

Excavations of these structures indicate that they are modest burials from the Bronze Age.

Four cornered mound with large dark stones at corners and white boulders in center. Side 5.25 m. Bronze Age. Left bank Sogoo Gol. View southwest. Four-cornered mounds are low and square in form with visually impressive boulders at their four corners and one in the center. They are generally aligned with their sides to the four quarters. Four-cornered mounds are found singly or in small groups, frequently in proximity to a khirigsuur. Excavations of these structures indicate that they are modest burials from the Bronze Age.

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Four cornered mounds (two), earthed over. Right bank Tsagaat Asgat Gol. Bronze Age. View northeast to Tsengel Khairkhan Nuuru.

Four-cornered mounds are low and square in form with visually impressive boulders at their four corners and one in the center. They are generally aligned with their sides to the four quarters. Four-cornered mounds are found singly or in small groups, frequently in proximity to a khirigsuur.

Excavations of these structures indicate that they are modest burials from the Bronze Age.

Four cornered mounds (two), earthed over. Right bank Tsagaat Asgat Gol. Bronze Age. View northeast to Tsengel Khairkhan Nuuru. Four-cornered mounds are low and square in form with visually impressive boulders at their four corners and one in the center. They are generally aligned with their sides to the four quarters. Four-cornered mounds are found singly or in small groups, frequently in proximity to a khirigsuur. Excavations of these structures indicate that they are modest burials from the Bronze Age.

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Burial mound with one row of balbal. Early Nomadic period. Maikhan Tolgoi, right bank Godon Gol. View east.

These mounds are almost always found in groups of between two and twenty and arranged in rows roughly aligned from north to south. The mounds are typically raised over chamber burials. Excavation of such burials throughout the Altai region indicates that they can be dated to the period between the seventh and second centuries BCE. Not all mounds or their chambers were used for burials, however: a significant number were cenotaphs. Altars of black and white stones may appear on the west side of the mounds and lines of balbal may extend to the east.

Burial mound with one row of balbal. Early Nomadic period. Maikhan Tolgoi, right bank Godon Gol. View east. These mounds are almost always found in groups of between two and twenty and arranged in rows roughly aligned from north to south. The mounds are typically raised over chamber burials. Excavation of such burials throughout the Altai region indicates that they can be dated to the period between the seventh and second centuries BCE. Not all mounds or their chambers were used for burials, however: a significant number were cenotaphs. Altars of black and white stones may appear on the west side of the mounds and lines of balbalmay extend to the east.

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Sunken burial mounds. D. 8 m and 15 m. Early Nomadic period. Left bank Khara Salagiin Gol. View south.

These mounds are almost always found in groups of between two and twenty and arranged in rows roughly aligned from north to south. The mounds are typically raised over chamber burials. Excavation of such burials throughout the Altai region indicates that they can be dated to the period between the seventh and second centuries BCE. Not all mounds or their chambers were used for burials, however: a significant number were cenotaphs. Altars of black and white stones may appear on the west side of the mounds and lines of balbal may extend to the east.

Sunken burial mounds. D. 8 m and 15 m. Early Nomadic period. Left bank Khara Salagiin Gol. View south. These mounds are almost always found in groups of between two and twenty and arranged in rows roughly aligned from north to south. The mounds are typically raised over chamber burials. Excavation of such burials throughout the Altai region indicates that they can be dated to the period between the seventh and second centuries BCE. Not all mounds or their chambers were used for burials, however: a significant number were cenotaphs. Altars of black and white stones may appear on the west side of the mounds and lines of balbalmay extend to the east.

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Five burial mounds with collapsed mounds; satellite altars on west. Sizes various. Early Nomadic period. Left bank Chigirtein Gol. View south.

These mounds are almost always found in groups of between two and twenty and arranged in rows roughly aligned from north to south. The mounds are typically raised over chamber burials. Excavation of such burials throughout the Altai region indicates that they can be dated to the period between the seventh and second centuries BCE. Not all mounds or their chambers were used for burials, however: a significant number were cenotaphs. Altars of black and white stones may appear on the west side of the mounds and lines of balbal may extend to the east.

Five burial mounds with collapsed mounds; satellite altars on west. Sizes various. Early Nomadic period. Left bank Chigirtein Gol. View south. These mounds are almost always found in groups of between two and twenty and arranged in rows roughly aligned from north to south. The mounds are typically raised over chamber burials. Excavation of such burials throughout the Altai region indicates that they can be dated to the period between the seventh and second centuries BCE. Not all mounds or their chambers were used for burials, however: a significant number were cenotaphs. Altars of black and white stones may appear on the west side of the mounds and lines of balbalmay extend to the east.

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High burial mound at confluence of two streams; remains of larch pole in side of mound at W 280'. D. 11 m, ht. 1.7 m. Turkic period. Elt Gol Basin. View southeast.

Mounds appearing individually, or sometimes in small groups, and sometimes with larch posts projecting from their north or west sides are probably Turkic. In comparison with those of the Early Nomads, these have not sunk and are considerably less earthed over. The posts may be the remains of felled trees on which had once been raised the flayed skins of sacrificed horses. Despite the large number of Turkic memorial enclosures in mountainous Bayan Ölgiy, there are few recognizable Turkic burial mounds.

High burial mound at confluence of two streams; remains of larch pole in side of mound at W 280'. D. 11 m, ht. 1.7 m. Turkic period. Elt Gol Basin. View southeast. Mounds appearing individually, or sometimes in small groups, and sometimes with larch posts projecting from their north or west sides are probably Turkic. In comparison with those of the Early Nomads, these have not sunk and are considerably less earthed over. The posts may be the remains of felled trees on which had once been raised the flayed skins of sacrificed horses. Despite the large number of Turkic memorial enclosures in mountainous Bayan Ölgiy, there are few recognizable Turkic burial mounds.

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Large mound with protruding larch post; one of several mounds in immediate area. Turkic period (?). Left bank Elt Gol. View south, downstream.

Mounds appearing individually, or sometimes in small groups, and sometimes with larch posts projecting from their north or west sides are probably Turkic. In comparison with those of the Early Nomads, these have not sunk and are considerably less earthed over. The posts may be the remains of felled trees on which had once been raised the flayed skins of sacrificed horses. Despite the large number of Turkic memorial enclosures in mountainous Bayan Ölgiy, there are few recognizable Turkic burial mounds.

Large mound with protruding larch post; one of several mounds in immediate area. Turkic period (?). Left bank Elt Gol. View south, downstream. Mounds appearing individually, or sometimes in small groups, and sometimes with larch posts projecting from their north or west sides are probably Turkic. In comparison with those of the Early Nomads, these have not sunk and are considerably less earthed over. The posts may be the remains of felled trees on which had once been raised the flayed skins of sacrificed horses. Despite the large number of Turkic memorial enclosures in mountainous Bayan Ölgiy, there are few recognizable Turkic burial mounds.

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Keyhole mound within large ritual site. Bronze Age (?). Left bank Tsagaan Salaa, valley of upper Tsagaan Gol. View south.

An unusual mound with a keyhole shape seems to fall somewhere between a dwelling, a typical mound, and a khirigsuur. The function and date of these structures are uncertain, but they are usually found in proximity to monuments from the Bronze and Early Iron Ages.

Keyhole mound within large ritual site. Bronze Age (?). Left bank Tsagaan Salaa, valley of upper Tsagaan Gol. View south. An unusual mound with a keyhole shape seems to fall somewhere between a dwelling, a typical mound, and a khirigsuur. The function and date of these structures are uncertain, but they are usually found in proximity to monuments from the Bronze and Early Iron Ages.

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Keyhole mound within large ritual site. Bronze Age (?). Tsagaan Asgat. View south.

An unusual mound with a keyhole shape seems to fall somewhere between a dwelling, a typical mound, and a khirigsuur. The function and date of these structures are uncertain, but they are usually found in proximity to monuments from the Bronze and Early Iron Ages.

Keyhole mound within large ritual site. Bronze Age (?). Tsagaan Asgat. View south. An unusual mound with a keyhole shape seems to fall somewhere between a dwelling, a typical mound, and a khirigsuur. The function and date of these structures are uncertain, but they are usually found in proximity to monuments from the Bronze and Early Iron Ages.

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Low mound with pavement of dark stones, mound of light and dark stones, whitequartzite boulder in center. D. 20. Bronze Age. Dood Khalga, left bank upper Khovd Gol. View to mountains south of Khurgan Nuur.

There is a variety of mound that is low and constructed of carefully selected stones of contrasting colors. They may be circular or squared, associated with khirigsuur or not. These structures may have been used as altars, but they might also have had another memorial function.

Low mound with pavement of dark stones, mound of light and dark stones, whitequartzite boulder in center. D. 20. Bronze Age. Dood Khalga, left bank upper Khovd Gol. View to mountains south of Khurgan Nuur. There is a variety of mound that is low and constructed of carefully selected stones of contrasting colors. They may be circular or squared, associated with khirigsuur or not. These structures may have been used as altars, but they might also have had another memorial function.

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Four cornered mound or squared low mound at edge of large ritual site. Bronze Age. Left bank Tsagaan Salaa, valley of upper Tsagaan Gol. View south to river.

There is a variety of mound that is low and constructed of carefully selected stones of contrasting colors. They may be circular or squared, associated with khirigsuur or not. These structures may have been used as altars, but they might also have had another memorial function.

Four cornered mound or squared low mound at edge of large ritual site. Bronze Age. Left bank Tsagaan Salaa, valley of upper Tsagaan Gol. View south to river. There is a variety of mound that is low and constructed of carefully selected stones of contrasting colors. They may be circular or squared, associated with khirigsuur or not. These structures may have been used as altars, but they might also have had another memorial function.

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Low mound with defined rim, central boulder, and entrance at E 120'. D. 11 m. Bronze Age. Tsagaan Asgat. View southwest.

There is a variety of mound that is low and constructed of carefully selected stones of contrasting colors. They may be circular or squared, associated with khirigsuur or not. These structures may have been used as altars, but they might also have had another memorial function.

Low mound with defined rim, central boulder, and entrance at E 120'. D. 11 m. Bronze Age. Tsagaan Asgat. View southwest. There is a variety of mound that is low and constructed of carefully selected stones of contrasting colors. They may be circular or squared, associated with khirigsuur or not. These structures may have been used as altars, but they might also have had another memorial function.

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