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All Kazakhstan Ust'-Kamenogorsk Balbals of Oskemen

Balbals of Oskemen

Stelae-eyed stones greet visitors to a corner of Kirov Park.

Ust'-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan

Added By
Edward Denny
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Balbals of Oskemen.   Edward Denny / Atlas Obscura User
Balbals of Oskemen.   Edward Denny / Atlas Obscura User
Balbals of Oskemen.   Edward Denny / Atlas Obscura User
Regional Museum of History and Folklore.   Edward Denny / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The vast Eurasian steppe is peppered with collections of anthropomorphic stone memorials to ancestors, and some prime examples are tucked next to the Regional Museum of History and Folklore in Oskemen, Kazakhstan.

These stone stelae carved with human faces, called balbals, have been produced since the Bronze Age, dating back some 5,000 years. They were used, in various forms, by many cultures including Scythian, Turkic, Mongolian, and Kazakh. 

Those found in Kazakhstan are not necessarily associated with burial sites (unlike the similar kurgan stelae), and although they are typically found facing westward, they have been discovered in a variety of contexts, presumably as symbols of veneration. 

The style of balbals altered with time and gradually became more detailed in the depiction of human faces and sartorial accoutrement, although their precise purpose remains a mystery. Scholars believe they may honor tribal leaders, lead the deceased to the upper world, or depict vanquished enemies. Some Kazakhstan locals believe the balbals have magical properties and still leave offerings for them.

With the rise of Islam in Central Asia, the creation of balbals declined, as the religion has proscriptions against human representations. But examples still abound, projecting Kazakhstan’s ancient origins with stony silence.

Related Tags

Memorials Burial Places Ancient

Know Before You Go

The Regional Museum of History and Folklore is located within Kirov Park in the city of Oskemen (or Ust-Kamenogorsk in Russian). 

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Added By

Edward Denny

Published

August 3, 2018

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Sources
  • Bradt Guide to Kazakhstan by Paul Brummell
  • https://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-places-asia/eerie-balbal-statues-eurasian-steppe-002649
  • http://eurasia.travel/kazakhstan/cities_towns_places/eastern_kazakhstan/ust-kamenogorsk/regional_museum_of_history_and_folklore/
Balbals of Oskemen
40 Uritsky St
Ust'-Kamenogorsk
Kazakhstan
49.974929, 82.601724
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Ust-Kamenogorsk Lock

Ust'-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Ust'-Kamenogorsk

Ust'-Kamenogorsk

Kazakhstan

Places 2

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Ust-Kamenogorsk Lock

Ust'-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan

miles away

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Ust'-Kamenogorsk

Kazakhstan

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