2. Russia Redux • Возвращающаяся Россия

Khakassia (06.2010)

A land of natural and spiritual beauty, the Republic of Khakassia is located in the southern part of eastern Siberia. Considered an archeological mecca, Khakassia's recorded history dates from the 4th to 3rd centuries B.C. This ancient land of serene splendor, with its centuries old burial mounds, prehistoric menhirs (monolithic standing stones), and petroglyphs, remains one of mystery & shamanism. A 4.5 hour flight from Moscow, or a 75 hour train ride on the Trans-Siberian, the Khakass Republic has a population of 546,000 of whom about 165,000 live in the capital city of Abakan.
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This stone deity, known as Ulug Hurtuyah-Tas meaning big stone woman or mother of all mothers, is 4,500 years old & has been valued at $1.5 million by UNESCO. Women still believe that praying to the statue will aid them in becoming pregnant.
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This stone deity, known as Ulug Hurtuyah-Tas meaning big stone woman or mother of all mothers, is 4,500 years old & has been valued at $1.5 million by UNESCO. Women still believe that praying to the statue will aid them in becoming pregnant.

pregnant womanancient statuekhakassiasiberiarussiarusurusu photographyUlug HurtuyahTasbig stone womanmother of all mothersstone deity

  • Hotel Gladenkaya's bar.
  • My room at Hotel Gladenkaya.
  • Bathroom at Hotel Gladenkaya.
  • Approaching Askizsky village we were met by two Khakass riders who escorted us to the cultural center/museum.
  • Being welcomed at the entrance to the museum complex housing the Ulug Hurtuyah-Tas stone deity.
  • Welcome!
  • This stone deity, known as Ulug Hurtuyah-Tas meaning big stone woman or mother of all mothers, is 4,500 years old & has been valued at $1.5 million by UNESCO. Women still believe that praying to the statue will aid them in becoming pregnant.
  • Local residents in traditional Khakass dress.
  • Khakass shaman welcoming the good spirits.
  • Feeding the fire.
  • With Svetlana, Press secretary of the Askizsky District of Khakassia.
  • Cooking wheat.
  • Girl in red with sunflowers. (Khakassia, Siberia, Russia)
  • Something like cottage cheese with a lot of butter!
  • Children reenact a traditional Khakass wedding ceremony. The big hat worn by the woman on the left is a matchmaker's hat.
  • The bride & groom.
  • Boys watching on.
  • Boy dressed as a village elder watching the wedding ceremony.
  • Young Khakass girl watching the ceremony.
  • Embroidered dress detail.
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