kurgan stelae in the steppe in the altai republic, russia

sacrificial archaeology inspiration gravestone background koshagach orthostat monoliths adventure tradition landscape republic overcast district standing religion mountain outdoors mystical village ortolyk carving culture idyllic ancient obelisk complex harmony journey silence prairie kurgan stelae steppe russia menhir valley nature travel desert sacred ritual altai stone altar mound space baba idol lith hill tomb copy rock sign holy view