Continuation (beginning published in #104).
(https://rosphoto.com/best-of-the-best/puteshestviya_po_rossii-2668)
WEATHERING PILLARS, KOMI REPUBLIC
Weathering pillars (Mansi dummies) – a geological monument located in the Troitsko-Pechora region of the Komi Republic on the territory of the Pechora-Ilychsky reserve on the Man-Pupu-ner mountain (“Small mountain of idols” in translation from the Mansi language), in the interfluve of the Ichotlyaga and Pechora rivers … Many legends are associated with this extraordinary place. The pillars are considered one of the seven wonders of Russia.
The Weathering Pillars are located quite far from inhabited places. To reach them is already in a sense a feat. For this, by the way, you need to get a pass from the administration of the reserve. From the side of the Sverdlovsk Region and the Perm Territory there is a walking route, from the side of the Komi Republic – automobile, water and foot routes.
About 200 million years ago, there were high mountains in the place of stone pillars. Rain, snow, wind, frost and heat gradually destroyed the mountains, and especially the weak rocks. Hard sericite-quartzite schists were destroyed less and survived to the present day, while soft rocks were destroyed by weathering and carried away by water and wind into lower relief.
One pillar, 34 m high, stands somewhat apart from the others. Six others lined up at the edge of the cliff. The pillars have bizarre outlines and, depending on the place of examination, resemble either the figure of a huge man, or the head of a horse or ram. Indeed, this place is ideal for a photographer’s fantasy! In past times, the Mansi deified grandiose stone statues, worshiped them, but climbing Manpupuner was considered the greatest sin. To be continued