Archaeologists in the Alatau Mountains of Central Asia have uncovered a cache of silver-gilded ibex votive figurines. These small, exquisitely detailed statues were found at a high-altitude pass and date to the Saka period, approximately 2,500 years ago. They are linked to the "Snow-Departure" festival, which celebrated the melting of high-mountain passes and the start of the summer migration.
The ibex was a sacred symbol of agility and survival in the harsh mountain environment. The placement of these votives suggests that nomadic tribes gathered at specific peaks to perform sacrifices and competitive games, marking the end of winter isolation and the renewal of social ties between disparate clans.