Mongolia · Architectural Craft / Wood Construction
уни (Uni)
The uni (уни) are the bent roof poles that radiate from the toono crown wheel to the top of the khana lattice wall, forming the conical roof structure of the ger. Each uni is a single straight-grained willow rod that is steam-bent at a specific point along its length — the bend angle and position determining the roof slope and the ger's internal height. The defining technical knowledge is the bend position calibration: the bend must occur at exactly one-third of the pole's length from the toono end — the 'one-hand-span from the toono socket' rule. Too far from the socket: flat roof, rain pools. Too close: steep roof, internal height lost. The calibration is performed by holding the pole against the arm: 'the bend is where my elbow is when my hand holds the socket end.'
Risk level: Endangered · Component of UNESCO Mongolian Ger inscription (2013)
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