Community, faith and politics. The ovoos of the Shinehen Buryats throughout the 20th century

This article explores the relationship between ovoo construction and the parallel political recognition of Buryat refugees in Hulun Buir (Inner Mongolia). More precisely, it analyses how these sacred cairns and their annual rituals have served as symbols of Buryat territorial appropriation throughout the 20th century. Considering the ovoo as a support for local history, the article illustrates the way ovoo construction links territory, politics and identity in this multi-ethnic area.