Archaeologists working in the Khövsgöl Province of northern Mongolia have unearthed a massive ritual cache of carved reindeer antlers at a site known for its late Bronze Age Deer Stones. The artifacts, which show evidence of decorative ochre staining and intentional placement, suggest a large-scale communal gathering centered on the transition from summer to autumn pastures.
This discovery provides the first physical evidence of organized seasonal festivals among the Slab-Grave culture. The presence of charred animal remains and communal hearths indicates that these ancient pastoralists engaged in rhythmic feasting and symbolic animal-spirit propitiation to ensure the safety of their herds during the harsh Mongolian winters.