Originally, horse‑tying stones were carved, functional slabs used by affluent families—such as local gentry and wealthy households—to secure their mules and horses. These ornate horse‑tying posts, once employed by the elite to ward off evil spirits and protect their homes, have since evolved into “monumental pillars” in the eyes of common people, holding immense cultural, aesthetic, and scholarly value.

The stone heads often depict Central Asian figures riding lions; beyond simply riding lions, these motifs also include scenes of lions being led, playfully interacting with lions, or being tamed—each composition carrying profound symbolic meaning, serving as a prayer for blessings and a means of dispelling malevolent forces.