N. Vorobjev D.

TO THE QUESTION ABOUT THE FUNCTION AND SEMANTICS OF ZOOMORPHIC IMAGES OF MESOLITHIC – ENEOLITHIC PERIODS IN THE UPPER AND MIDDLE VOLGA REGION

Authors

N. Vorobjev D.

Keywords:

zoomorphic images, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Eneolithic, the Upper and Middle Volga region, function, semantics

Abstract

An attempt is made to determine the functional and semantic meaning of zoomorphic images of the Mesolithic – Eneolithic period from the territory of the Upper and Middle Volga region. Determine the function of the products helps their structural and morphological analysis, search for analogies and information about the context of detection. Ethnographic data are used to clarify the semantics of images. It should be noted that zoomorphic images were placed on functionally different things, most often used for ritual purposes. Most products are interpreted as pendants or stripes, which were personal charms and talismans. The depicted animals acted as signs that at different times could symbolize the totemistic ancestor, the owners of lands and animals, the soul of a deceased relative, calendar seasons, a three-level scheme of the world order.

TO THE QUESTION ABOUT THE FUNCTION AND SEMANTICS OF ZOOMORPHIC IMAGES OF MESOLITHIC – ENEOLITHIC PERIODS IN THE UPPER AND MIDDLE VOLGA REGION