The Sentinel in a Dress

Most people who see this petroglyph from the Ordakul sanctuary in Zhetysu react with a mix of confusion and amusement. The figure looks rather unusual compared to other petroglyphs in the proximity. It’s a somewhat childlike, clumsy depiction—like a strange little girl in a polka-dot dress with a bow on her head. Whoever carved this image was clearly not an artist, but the petroglyph’s importance isn’t tied to the quality of its execution.

The petroglyph was discovered quite recently, and scholars still need to determine its exact dating. To do so, they will have to delve into specialized literature on the equipment of Turkic and possibly Dzungarian warriors.

Indeed, carved into a rock above a medieval settlement at the base of a hill in the Dauylbay mountains is the image of a Turkic warrior or possibly even a Dzungarian military leader. Excavations at the settlement have not yet taken place, so it remains unknown who lived here and when. Only detailed research will shed light on these questions.

The figure is carved near the hill’s peak. From this vantage point, you can see the western side of the gorge and the intermountain valley, while to the east lies a vast plateau. The warrior, shown holding a saber, seems to be there for a reason. Perhaps his role was to protect the peace and welfare of those who once lived at the hill’s base. And for several hundred years now, he has faithfully upheld his duty, and remarkably well. Believe it or not, not a single petroglyph near this warrior has been damaged by vandals.