History of Deer Stones Study in Central Mongolia

Abstract

The study of "deer" stones in Mongolia has begun in the end of 19 th century and continues till now. As on 2021 the information on 1318 such sculptures in the three-volume illustrated catalog under the name "Culture of the Deer Stones of Mongolia and Neighboring Regions" is published. A significant number of "deer" stones have been found in the Khangai Mountains, which are located in Central Mongolia. However, no solid surveys have been specifically conducted in this region yet, and there are prospects for new discoveries. This article discusses the process of identifying and studying the "deer" stones, taking into account the contributions of many scientists. This analysis is important for further research. An example of such scientific work is a modern monograph by J. Bayarsaikhan "Deer stones of Northern Mongolia," in which the 193 "deer" stones found in Khubsugul aimak are analyzed in detail. To study more than 500 "deer" stones found in Central Mongolia, it is necessary to involve digital methods and technologies, which provide an objective level of analysis of the captured images. The practice of interdisciplinary approach will increase our knowledge about the culture of ancient nomads of Inner Asia.