Striking Ancient Stone Idols: The Forgotten Polovtsian Statues Of Eastern Europe

Ellen Lloyd – AncientPages.com - These enigmatic ancient stone statues, or "stone idols," as they are often called by locals, are almost unknown to the outside world.

The statues, known as the "Polovtsian statues," are found in large numbers spread across Russia, southern Siberia, eastern Ukraine, Germany, Central Asia, and Mongolia.

Polovtsian statues. Credit: Adobe Stock - Andrey

Many of the Polovtsian statues represent male warriors wearing helmets, armor, and weapons, like swords, bows, and quivers. Hats and purses can be seen on the female statues.

In 2008, a team of archaeologists and conservators from Poland and the Czech Republic undertook maintenance work on the Polovtsian anthropomorphic late medieval steles from the collection of the Veliklanadolskyi Forest Museum at Komsomolsky Podsiolok in East Ukraine.

Their goal was to prevent the degradation of the sculptures caused by environmental factors and human activities, as well as to restore the aesthetics of the statues.

The stele "baba 2" from the Veliko-Anadol Forest Museum (cf Pletneva, 1974a. 152. No.302. Illustration from "Monumental Polovtsian Statues in Eastern Europe: The Archaeology, Conservation and Protection" By Aneta Golebiowska-Tobiasz

Aneta Golebiowska-Tobiasz, a member of the team, became strongly aware of the cultural value of the monumental sculptures - barely known in the rest of Europe and decided to channel her efforts into research and the restoration of the stelae, which represent so majestically the cultural heritage of the Turkic people of the steppe zone of Eastern Europe.

De Gruyter Open has now published the "Monumental Polovtsian Statues in Eastern Europe. The Archaeology, Conservation and Protection" in its Open Access Book program, presenting the author's well-documented and illustrated history of the research on Cuman stone stelae.

"Stone statues, indigenous to the early Turks, appeared in the vast territory of the Asian steppes, from Southern Siberia to Central Asia and across the foothills of the Ural Mountains. The custom originated among Cumans in Eastern Europe.

The skill of erecting anthropomorphic stelae required proficiency in processing different kinds of stone and wood, and was characterized by artistic value of representations, as well as by the timeless aesthetics of the canon," researchers write in their book "Monumental Polovtsian Statues in Eastern Europe. The Archaeology, Conservation and Protection".

Polovtsian statues in Ukraine. Credit: Adobe Stock - fotomaster

The art of creating stelae had been known in many cultural circles before it had appeared among the Turkic peoples. The tradition of constructing monumental stone sculptures originated in the Bronze Age cultures of Central and Middle Asia around the 4th millennium B.C. The Kimmers and the Scythians later created anthropomorphic stelae.
Stone statues associated with the early Turks appeared in a vast territory of the Asian steppes that stretches from the Southern foothills of the Ural Mountains through Kazakhstan to Mongolia.

Their origin and cultural significance are interpreted in various ways, and still many issues associated with their construction remain unclear.

The book delves into the phenomenon of anthropomorphic sculptures in relation to the migration of the Turkic nomads from the perspective of an archaeologist and conservator.

With a visibly palpable passion, Gołębiowska-Tobiasz explores the diffusion of the stale evolution of their canon, addressing alongside the latest hypothesis of the sculptures being related to religious beliefs and their possible political significance.

The art of erecting stale disappeared rather abruptly with the fall of the Polovtsians and the rapid spread of Islam. This book will mark a new perspective for archaeologists and historians on the most versatile aspects of these imposing and yet neglected monuments.

"The book is not only innovative," says Igor Leonidovich Kyzlasov, Head of Medieval Archaeology at the Russian Academy of Sciences, and arguably, one of the finest scientists in this subject area, "but it also accurately documents the complex process, and the results of restoration and conservation of monuments."

Polovtsian statues in Ukraine. Credit: Adobe Stock - olyasolodenko

According to Past Horizons, "The Polovtsians conquered the area of the Azov steppes relatively early in the 11th century AD. The rich pastures and abundance of water in the new sprawling land under their control ensured the groups moved from nomadism towards seasonal horse pastoralism within a closed cycle of encampments.

In addition to favorable environmental conditions, the density of old kurgan cemeteries located in the watersheds of rivers played a crucial role.

The Polovtsians used these previously erected mounds as burial or cult places, often putting anthropomorphic statues on their summits. In this way, they used the already sacred spaces during both funeral ceremonies."

Hopefully, the forgotten and neglected Polovtsian statues will now be better preserved for future generations. It would be a great pity if valuable history was lost again.

Updated on March 20, 2024

Written by - Ellen Lloyd – AncientPages.com

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