A photograph is attached to the original agreement.
In 1924, an agreement was signed between the Russians and the Ministry of Public Education of Mongolia regarding the temporary export of valuable archaeological finds from the Hunnu era, discovered in the Noyon Uul mountains. The document stipulated their return no later than the autumn of 1925. These events are reported by MiddleAsianNews.
From 1924 to 1925, the Mongolian-Tibetan expedition led by P.K. Kozlov conducted research in the Noyon Uul area and discovered numerous ancient tombs. They recorded 212 tombs distributed across three river mouths: Sujigt, Zuramt, and Khujirt, which became an important contribution to archaeological research.
To organize the shipment of finds from Noyon to Russia, Tsevyeen Jamsran, head of the Scientific Committee, developed the Law "On the Protection of Ancient Monuments," which was approved by the Government on September 5, 1924. This law laid the foundation for modern principles of cultural heritage protection. The agreement also included a request for the return of valuable artifacts no later than the autumn of 1925.
During the excavations, unique artifacts were found, including a felt carpet, textiles, silver jewelry from the Roman Empire, and silver horse harnesses depicting mythical unicorns. These finds became important material for the study of the Hunnu-Mongols.
The agreement contains the following points:
AGREEMENT
Between the Uchkom of the Ministry of Public Education of the Mongolian Government and the Tibetan Scientific Expedition of the R.G.O. on November 7, 1924
1/ The archaeological materials obtained by the Tibetan Expedition during the excavations of the mounds at Noin Uul in 1924 must be sent to Leningrad for comprehensive scientific study.
2/ All items obtained from any one burial must be returned to Mongolia and handed over to the Uchkom museum no later than the autumn of 1925.
Representative of Uchkom: Ts. Jamsarano
Head of the Tibetan Expedition: P.K. Kozlov
Head of the Archaeological Department of the Tibetan Expedition: S.A. Teploukhov
Unfortunately, the promise to return these artifacts was not fulfilled, and they remain in the Hermitage to this day. A hundred years have passed, and the issue remains unresolved.
