Seals of Kalmyk Khan Donduk-Ombo Reviewed

Abstract

Introduction. Kalmyk sigillographic sources are of utmost importance for the historical research of the Kalmyk Khanate. And when it comes to seals of Kalmyk elites, special attention should be paid to those of Kalmyk Khans. Goals. The article introduces data on two seals of Kalmyk Khan Donduk-Ombo, examines the legends, and hypothesizes as to their origins. Materials and methods. Impressions of the two seals have been discovered in letters housed at the National Archive of Kalmykia. The study employs the comparative historical method and that of literary research. Results. The legend on the first seal imitates Chinese hieroglyphs, while the second one imitates Phagspa letters. Conclusions. The paper suggests the seals of Khan Donduk-Ombo are of Tibetan and Kalmyk origin. The examined documents attest to the first seal was used between 1723 and 1732, and the latter one was first made use of in 1734. The replacement of the earlier seal with another one may indicate the latter was distinguished by higher status characteristics.

Keywords

• donduk-ombo
• kalmyk khanate
• sphragistics
• phagspa script
• kalmyk history