Gumbiin Denzh monuments
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Part of the Orxon Valley Cultural Landscape World Heritage Site.
Situated on a small terrace to the west of the Orxon River, the site contains ten slab graves, three stone burial mounds with square frames, and one round stone grave with a deer stone in the centre. There are also many unusual small stone constructions measuring 1.2-1.8 m in diameter, whose function is uncertain. The deer stone measures 2.4 x 0.55 x .035 m, and is located in the centre of a circular grave with a diameter of nine metres. The carved figures remain quite clear. On one side of the monument are figures of the sun and moon, while on the other side are a figure of the sun, a number of deer figures, a broad belt, and what appear to be a hoe and a knife with sheath suspended from the belt. Four of the small stone constructions have been excavated, but in only one case were objects of archaeological interest discovered. The construction in question is oval in shape, and covers an area of 1.2 x 1.3 metres. At a depth of 50 cm was found an area of burnt earth, measuring 50 x 60 cm, from which were recovered charcoal remains, and fragments of a sheep scapula, thighbone and tailbone.[1] One memorial structure has also been excavated, consisting of stones laid out in a circular form, measuring 230-240 cm in diameter. There is no burial pit, but various objects were excavated from the monument – including grey roofing tile fragments, the rims of clay pots, a long-stemmed iron arrowhead, charred wood remains from a fire, and animal bone fragments. It would appear therefore that this structure served as a monument for ceremonies or ritual offerings. The arrowhead can be dated, on the basis of its flattened form, as having been produced in the 13th-15th century, suggesting that this monument was constructed by the Mongols during the Empire period.[2]
Notes
 | In commemoration of the legacy and teachings of His Holiness Dulduit Danzanravzhaa Fifth Wrathful Noble Xutagt of the Great Gobi (1803-1856) I did not overbearingly sophize Nor preach with pride and arrogance But having found a sense in this world Spoke the truth of my dear heart. |   |