Tibetan and Himalayan Library - THL

II.2. Superficial structures: Primarily funerary superstructure

GokriSgog ri

Basic site data

• Site name: GokriSgog ri
• English equivalent: Garlic Mountain (?)
• Site number: D-82
• Site typology: II.2e
• Elevation: 4680 m
• Administrative location (township): DeupoRde’u po
• Administrative location (county): PelgönDpal mgon
• Survey expedition: HTCE
• Survey date: September 21, 2002
• Contemporary usage: Light grazing.
• Identifiable Buddhist constructions: None.
• Maps: UTRS IX
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General site characteristics

The terraced funerary structures of GokriSgog ri are situated just above the base of an eponymous hill. The site has an eastern aspect, overlooking a vast plain that terminates near the sacred mountain, kyungkaSkyung ka. The terrain is generally grassy and with a slope gradient of around 10°. GokriSgog ri is situated only about 2 km east of Migön ChönyiMi mgon chos nyid (D-81), and shares the same topographic and morphological traits as this site. As such, these two sites are culturally and chronologically closely related. There are 19 terraced funerary structures at GokriSgog ri, which form a long row along the base of the hill. These consist mostly of larger rectangular specimens (50 m² to 100 m²). The terraced funerary structures of GokriSgog ri are built in the same fashion as other examples of the typology (II.2e) in the far eastern JangtangByang thang. The forward/downhill sides of the structures are elevated as much as 2 m above the lower slope, while rear walls are generally flush with the slope. The two long walls of these flat-topped structures are oriented perpendicular to the axis of the slope. With few exceptions, stones without any discernable pattern or arrangement line the forward flank and the two sides of each structure. However, the deliberate stacking of stones is also encountered. In quite a few larger specimens there are rear wall traces flush with the uphill slope or slightly elevated above it. Most, if not all, of the structures are free from structural elements situated inside the outer walls. Variable-length (20 cm to 60 cm long), grayish volcanic (?) rocks were used in construction.

Some of the terraced funerary structures have depressions on top, giving the impression that they were excavated at one time. It is also possible, however, that these concavities were formed through subsidence and/or erosion. Fortunately, the monuments of GokriSgog ri do not appear to have been disturbed recently. The largest terraced funerary structure of GokriSgog ri is designated funerary structure FS9 (12 m by 8.5 m). The upper portion of its forward flank consists of four vertical courses of stones forming a wall, 50 cm in height.

Oral tradition

None was collected.