The Final Battle With The Naiman did have one unexpected consequence. Found wandering around the field of battle was a well-dressed man who appeared to be armed only with wooden pens. He also had in his possession the official seals of Tayang Khan. Taken before Chingis himself, he explained that he had been the Naiman ruler’s personal scribe and seal bearer. His name was Tatatunga and he was a Uighur originally from Uighuristan. He had been hired by the Naiman as a scribe and court intellectual. He apparently spoke the Naiman language, whatever that might have been, and presumably he knew at least some Mongolian. Chingis was always quick to utilize the talents of those caught up in his dragnets. Soon realizing how Tatatunga’s particular skills might be used, he set him the task of developing a script for the Mongol language, which up until then did not have a writing system . . . Continued.
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Italy | Venice | Early Life of Enrico Dandolo
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Hi Don:
ReplyDeleteLaura Kelley from Silk Road Gourmet here. Nice post on the Mongolian script. We have a Mongolian artist here in DC named Tsolmon Damba who signs all of his paintings in the vertical script.
Nice to learn the history of the script.
Laura
Hi there, I have a lovely painting by Tsolmon Damba, purchased in the Eastern Market in DC last fall. It has become the centerpoint for a small Mongolian worship center. The title of the painting is "Nomads." It's just lovely. You may find a copy or similar work on his website.
ReplyDeleteTsolman Damba must be a popular guy in the DC area!
ReplyDeleteHi Don:
ReplyDeleteThanks for ordering the book - let me know how you like it.
Laura