Bal-bals

A bal-bal near Burana Tower in Kyrgyzstan

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Bal-Bals are ancient stone figures found throughout Central Asia. They commonly depict a person holding a bowl in their upraised right hand. This is a traditional sign of welcome for a guest.

Some bal-bals show a warrior holding weapons, usually in the left hand. Such carvings, some say, show the idealized depiction of an ancient Turkic warrior.

Sometimes bal-bals were erected as mounments to enemies killed in battle. One bal-bal is placed for each solider killed.

Bal-bals are made from local sources of rock, and styles of carving will differ, depending on the type of stone being used.

External links

[Balbals - Stone Sculptures]
[Ancient Mongolia]

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