The Cemetery of Goat Horns. Turkmenistan sun
The traditional cemetery of the Nohur village in Turkmenistan. is famous for its distinct burial customs, which often include placing goat horns on top of the gravestones.
The use of goat horns forms part of ancient Turkic folklore, for centuries before the islamic hordes moved in to begin their quest for world domination.
These horns provide protection for the deceased, to ward off evil spirits and help the soul of the dead reach the afterlife. I wonder what happens to the beheaded animal on its journey through eternal blackness.
Nowadays the ancient folk refuse to give up their beliefs entirely, weirdly entwining them with islamic doctrines, often a crescent moon is also seen on the headstones and grave markers.
The grave markers are often engraved with horizontal markings symbolising "steps" or pathways to guide the soul of the deceased safely on its rise to heaven. Fucked if like me hell awaits as there is nothing going down.
These isolated mountain people have always celebrated mountain goats venerated for their strength and endurance in harsh environments.
Similar horns are often hung outside houses in the village for protection.
As well as the horns, a lot of the grave markers are wrapped with vibrantly coloured fabric, representing a sign of respect and honouring the tribe’s rich silk-weaving traditions.
Tourists are forbidden from entering into the walled grounds of the cemetery in order to protect its sacred burial traditions.
So it was a case of leaning over the wall, with my tackle fully extended, reaching the spots that smaller ones can't.
Size really does matter.
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What fascinates me most about this place is the contrast in its symbolism. In some Western traditions, especially in Christian imagery, goat horns are associated with the devil and evil; but here in Turkmenistan, they are believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the souls of the dead. As an artist, I am amazed at how a single symbol can have such contradictory meanings in different cultures. It makes me wonder how much of our ideas about good and evil depend on the cultural stories we grew up with.
I guess it depends a lot on which god you support, pretty much like which foot ball team you follow
Yes 👍 👌
Imagine all those headless goats wandering around aimlessly in their version of the afterlife.
To them it would seem that nothing has changed. 😂👍
LOL, they be fucked as all they ever do is chew and chew and chew
😂😂👍 exactly
Goat horns on gravestones is such a striking custom, and the engraved steps guiding the soul upward are beautiful. Did your guide say what the coloured fabrics mean?
Just a tribute and respect to the dead ones
Applause... haha, I measure the size of a head against the sky. And yes, it matters. 🤣
Excellent shots! And as for these practices of taking protection with you into the afterlife... oh, I think it all stems from the many shortcomings and insecurities we have. If we feel unprotected in life... well...
Poor goats.
yeah poor goats! thanks @nanixxx always appreciate your positive vibes. Hope you have finished with the machete for this year?
Weird habits and traditions, but you can't change isolated, old communities. These beliefs mean a lot to them 😬 We move on and evolve, they don't.
Are they happier than us? Probably
That cemetery looks fascinating with the horns and colorful fabric wrapping. It is interesting how ancient traditions manage to survive alongside newer religious customs in such isolated places.
Cheers @rebet thanks for dropping in, I appreciate your engagement and am pleased to meet you. yes always good to see traditions being kept alive from generation to generation.