A journey to the north of Olkhon is a pilgrimage to the sources of natural power. Its spiritual finale, the last stop before returning to Khuzhir, is the encounter with the grand sculpture "The Guardian of Baikal." Located 10 km south of Cape Khoboy, on a high bank near the village of Uzury, this composition is not just an art object, but a new sacred center of Baikal.
A Place of Power: Between Heaven and the Abyss
The sculpture is installed within the Pribaikalsky National Park in a place of incredible energy. To the south, the cape Shoroyte Khushun rises, at the foot of which lies the village of Uzury—the only settlement in the northeast of Olkhon. Further still, Mount Zhima, the highest point on the island, towers in the distance.
But the main feature is the view that opens from the foot of the statue. From the high cliff, the boundless expanse of the Amtarkhaysky Bay stretches out before you. The waters here are strikingly deep and clear. It is precisely in these waters, not far from Uzury, that the deepest point of the entire Lake Baikal is located—1,642 meters. Thus, the "Guardian" stands watch over the mysteries of the deepest lake on Earth.
The Master`s Vision: Dashi Namdakov and His Universe
The author of this masterpiece is the world-renowned sculptor Dashi Namdakov, a member of the Union of Artists of Russia. His work is a unique fusion of the ancient traditions of Siberia`s indigenous peoples, Buddhist philosophy, and modern artistic vision. Born into a Buryat family in a Transbaikal village, Namdakov has been immersed since childhood in the mythology and shamanic legends that became the source of inspiration for his fantastic imagery.
His works, including "The Guardian of Baikal," are not merely sculptures but visualized archetypes, spirits of place, embodied in bronze or silver. They speak to the viewer in a language of symbols understood by the heart.
Decoding the Symbols: The Tree, the Shaman, and the Voice of the Wind
"The Guardian of Baikal" is a monumental 7.5-meter composition that one must not just see, but "feel."
The Tree-Shaman: The sculpture is a mix of a mighty, gnarled bronze oak tree and the face of an old shaman. The tree here is a symbol of eternity, the connection between worlds (underworld, earthly, and heavenly), and natural wisdom. The face of the shaman, fused into the trunk, personifies the ancient consciousness of nature, its guardian spirit that has always been and always will be.
The Bell in the Hollow: At the base of the trunk, there is a hollow, and inside it—a bell. This is a symbol of Baikal`s heart, its hidden yet powerful voice. It remains silent but is ready to respond to a sincere appeal.
The Singing Branches: Dozens of small bells are tied to the bronze branches. This is Namdakov`s genius touch. Baikal is rarely without wind. And when the famous Olkhon wind, the "Sarma," blows, the bells come to life and begin to ring softly and melodiously. This is the voice of the Guardian, its direct response to the elements.
The Boulders in the Branches: The stones lodged in the dried branches are no accident. According to the concept, they are a symbol of the unyielding power of Baikal`s spirit. A legend born at the sculpture tells that this guardian once turned into a mighty tree and in one night grew through the rocks, carrying their fragments into its crown as a testament to its strength.
