Traditional Life of Mongolia
This exhibition presents Mongolian nomadic life goods based on animal husbandry, hunting, planting, and other types of supplementary means of livelihood.
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Mongolia's natural and climatic conditions have been chiefly suited to nomadic animal husbandry and hunting management. So, what are the traditional nomadic goods?
Experience the rich diversity of nomadic life with a leisurely stroll through this story.
Wooden locks
The wooden locks resemble a rectangle puzzle made of wood. They are decorated with animal figures, symbolizing good luck, and traditional patterns carved into the locks.
Wooden locks (XIX-XX Century)The National Museum of Mongolia
The lock is designed with a solid, flat, narrow tongue for screwing into a purposely dug hole or door on the inside. On the other side, you'll find intricate animal carvings and patterns. Notably, the key was crafted from wood.
Camel bell (XIX-XX Century)The National Museum of Mongolia
Camel bell
Depending on the distance of the road, Mongolian camel caravans are classified as "short-distance" and "long-distance."
Camel bell (XIX-XX Century)The National Museum of Mongolia
Each herder's team, so-called 'gal, ' had 10-15 camels, and it was not uncommon for caravans of up to 150 camels to go on the caravan. The bell is worn on the last camel and is responsible for letting the owner know that the caravan's camel wasn't lost off the road.
Musical instrument of S.Tuvden fiddler
This particular 'morin khuur' instrument was used by the famous musician S.Tuvden, who extensively enlightened the public through its melodies in the 1920s.
Musical instrument of S.Tuvden fiddler (XX Century) by (Tsambiin) GomboThe National Museum of Mongolia
Made with traditional craftsmanship, the instrument has a body of hide with bone ornaments on its neck and head.
The instrument was made by a craftsman named (Tsambiin) Gombo.
A Tsatsal (wooden spoon used for offerings) (XIX-XX Century)The National Museum of Mongolia
A Tsatsal (wooden spoon used for offerings)
A ‘tsatsal’ with a flat head with nine indentations, the rectangular stick has the twelve zodiac animals on two sides and sculptures of nine yellowish horses on the top.
A Tsatsal (wooden spoon used for offerings) (XIX-XX Century)The National Museum of Mongolia
At the end of its handle, an ochir (sacred instrument used in Buddhist ceremonies) is engraved, and yellow, white, and blue khadags are tied. The tsatsal’s length is 39 cm, and its width is 6 cm.
This specially shaped wooden spoon or ladle used for specific offerings of milk (or milk-based liquids) to the deities in the Mongolian pantheon and for ritual supplications, blessings, and expressions of good will.
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