Khigirsuur

A khirigsuur is a structure including a central mound and a round or square surrounding frame. When the mound extends to the surrounding wall in a kind of pavement, the khirigsuur is described as a platform khirigsuur. Usually, however, the area between mound and frame is left open and within it may be rays (radiae) aligned with the cardinal directions or their subdivisions. A boulder khirigsuur is one in which the central mound is replaced by a large boulder, Small circular altars (small circles) are usually found outside the frame on the north, west, and south sides, rarely on the east side. Some khirigsuur have entrances on the east side; many are accompanied by mounds of unknown function. In other parts of Mongolia, khirigsuur appear to have sometimes functioned as burials. Within the Altai–Sayan region, their function is uncertain––either funerary or memorial or related to other ceremonies. Khirigsuur are dated to the Bronze Age (second––early first millennium BCE).