AltSU archaeologists explored "deer" stones in Kyrgyzstan

Archaeologists of Altai State University continue their work within the framework of the grant of the Russian Science Foundation (project No. 22-18-00470 "The world of the ancient nomads of Inner Asia: interdisciplinary studies of material culture, sculptures and economy"). In June, an expedition to Kyrgyzstan took place.

From 5 to 11 June 2023, Professor Alexei Tishkin and his project colleague Sergey Bondarenko worked in Kyrgyzstan. Their main task was to determine the western part of the border of the distribution of "deer" stones – ancient anthropomorphic sculptures with images of deer and other animals, as well as engraved military attributes and various objects.

Last year, scientists already worked in Altai, Tyva and Transbaikalia. They revealed the northern border of the distribution of "deer" stones, which are certain markers of an archaic nomadic empire that existed at the end of the 2nd - beginning of the 1st millennium BC.

“A little more than 10 “deer” stones are known in Kyrgyzstan. It was important to fix them with modern methods. In particular, we used photogrammetry, which can be used to obtain high-quality digital copies of real archaeological objects for detailed study and comprehensive demonstration. All the sculptures turned out to be quite simple, which is typical for the peripheral part of the archaic nomadic empire. Whereas in its center and on the semi-periphery there are very majestic, magnificent specimens,” says Alexei Tishkin.

The biggest problem that archaeologists have faced is that the “deer” stones were moved from their original location. Over the years, they were taken out by local historians, history teachers, and museum workers. This makes it difficult to determine the connection of such statues with any burial or memorial complexes. However, the available design details and images allow us to determine the time of their manufacture. Surveys were carried out mainly in the Kochkor valley, rich in archaeological sites. At the same time, it was possible to fix a new, previously unknown “deer” stone. It was discovered thanks to the local director of the school in the village of Kara-Suu, who previously participated in expeditions and has rich archaeological experience. The statue lay on the field among other stones. It has only two images in the form of embossed rings, indicating earrings. However, this is an important find. Another discovered “deer” stone is located in the school ethnopark; archaeologists also recorded it. We also got acquainted with the finds in the school museum.

“Not far from Bishkek there is the Archaeological and Architectural Museum-Reserve, created on the medieval settlement of Burana with a well-known tower. There is an archaeological exposition and a collection of stone sculptures, among which a “deer” stone was found, reused by the Turks. The medieval sculpture itself is rather peculiar: a man with a beard and long braids is depicted. Thanks to our Kyrgyz colleagues, we managed to dig up this statue and photograph it from all sides. Such “shifters” are also one of the topics of our research. We often meet them both in Mongolia and in Tuva. The Turks did not consider "deer" stones as their cultural heritage. They used them as a building material in the construction of fences, and, turning them over, made their statue on the other side,” continued Alexey Tishkin.

Scientists had to work not only in the field, but also in museums, where there are "deer" stones and archaeological finds related to the culture of ancient nomads. They visited the National Historical Museum of Kyrgyzstan and the Archaeological Museum at the Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, as well as other museums, including those on the coast of Issyk-Kul.

“In general, most of the “deer” stones already found come from the eastern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. Our inspection of part of this territory was, unfortunately, superficial. There just wasn't enough time. We are very grateful to our Kyrgyz colleagues and, above all, to Professor K.Sh. Tabaldiev, who helped us at all stages of our eventful expedition. The results obtained provide a further perspective of work in Kyrgyzstan. The border of the distribution of "deer" stones in the territory of the Inner Tien Shan is already emerging. We do not exclude that in the course of subsequent special surveys other ancient statues will be discovered. The territory of Kyrgyzstan is large, so I think we will be able to contribute to the study of its antiquities,” said Alexei Tishkin.

Also, these participants of the RSF project took part in an international scientific conference dedicated to the study of the history of the Turkic peoples. Aleksey Tishkin delivered a plenary report “Peculiarities of interethnic integration of the nomadic and agricultural population in the early Middle Ages (based on the study of the Shakhidon monument in Tajikistan)”, and Sergey Bondarenko read a report on the use of new digital technologies when fixing statues.

“Our trip turned out to be quite eventful. A lot of work was done in a short time. In the near future there will be publications on the results obtained. In general, we in Russia, and especially in Kyrgyzstan, lack archaeologists who could implement digital technologies in the course of research. Therefore, it is important to note that this year the Institute of History and International Relations of Altai State University for the first time enrolls in the master's program in archeology, and a completely new profile "Museum archeology" has been opened as part of the undergraduate program. Studying in these programs will provide good prospects for their graduates. There will be enough work for everyone,” summed up Alexey Tishkin.