Over the course of its long journey from subtropical northern India to the frozen lands of Siberia, the small figurine was likely traded multiple times. Its final possessor may have known next to nothing about its origin, although its spiritual significance was likely understood or at least suspected.
Experts speculate that the object was left as an offering or sacrifice, by an individual seeking divine assistance while completing the treacherous trek across the hazardous Siberian river . The point where the bridge is being constructed is where the mighty Ob River is at its narrowest, and it would have been an ideal spot for an ancient trader or explorer to have attempted to make a crossing.