National Museum of Mongolia
Our guide suggested we visit the National Museum of Mongolia during our trip to Ulaanbaatar. This museum is responsible for preserving Mongolian cultural heritage as well as defining the guidelines for museums in the rest of the country. The museum has a wide scope of history, beginning in prehistory up into the present. The biggest highlights for me were the section on Mongolian traditional dress and the 1990 Mongolian Revolution.
First a bottle of water before entering the museum
Entrance to the first exhibit
An early spice grinder
Deer Stone
Ram’s head knife
Domesticating Animals (Bronze Age 3000 BC)
Hunting (Bronze Age 3000 BC)
Teapot
Chopsticks, spoon and knife
A statue in the museum
Deer
Silver drinking vessels
Gold tea set
Wooden saddle fro; the 6th-8th Century
Choir Statue from the 6th Century
Altai Harp
Chinggis Khaan
Mongolian ethnic costumes (Mongolia has more than 20 ethnic groups originating from 2 nationalities: Mongolian and Turkish)
Closeup of the headdress
Mongolian ethnic costumes
Closeup
Closeup
Mongolian ethnic costumes
Dearest Child: There is an ancient tradition for Mongolians to care for their dearest (chronically ill) child by making a special dress for the child. In the belief that the dress will serve as a protection.
Snuff bottles
Seal of a military commander, 1285
Khubilai Khaan’s Invasion to Japan, 13th Century
Army Black Banner: The black banner signified war. It was made of the mane of black horses and was used as a symbol to inspire and motivate soldiers in battle while discouraging enemies. The black banner and the accompanying steel sword are kept out of house in the open air.
White Banner 13th-19th century: Banner of peace; donated by its hereditary keeper of the banner in 1963 after being in his family for at least nine generations
Chinggis Khaan, 1162-1227
Ugedei Khaan, 1186 – 1241
Khubilai Khaan, 1215 – 1294
Woodcraft
Alag Melkhii, “Multicolored Turtle”, a game made of different colored anklebones
Mongolian Chess Set
Mongolian wrestling outfit
Jockey outfit
The Morin Khuur
Morin Khuur – later that night we were able to hear one being played!
The last King and Queen of Mongolia
Kishigten Mongolian Restaurant
Mmm… milk tea with beef jerky and seasoning
Mongolian milk tea – the first cup of many during our time in Mongolia
With our guide
Koen noticed the art on the ceiling featured a lot of funny, lewd drawings
Have a look for yourself!
Khorkhog – Mongolian bbq with beef, potato, carrot, and “flat bread” which is actually more like dumplings
I didn’t want anymore milk tea and was really craving water – then I was brought this glass of boiling water. I asked if it was possible to have a cold glass of water and they looked at me like I was crazy – no cold drinks in Mongolia.
The Gautama Buddha, constructed in 2006 and is 23 meters tall. The Buddha Statue faces to Ulaanbaatar city and it symbolizes peace. A bell and guardian drum were placed around the Buddha.
Zaisan Memorial to the left on top of the Zaisan Hills; honors allied Mongolian and Soviet soldiers killed in WWII
An American in Antwerp 