Sacred Animals and Fantastic Creatures of Urartian Belts – Mythological Reflections of Urartian Civilization.
Abstract
In this article the fundamental aspects of the Urartian belt’s mythological iconography are discussed. The main purpose of the article is the detailed investigation of key figures, spiritual personages, sacred animals, fantastic creatures, as well as connected with them scenes, motives and decorations of Urartian belts. Those objects depicted many sacred symbols and images that were parts of religious beliefs and sacral values of ancient Urartians. Among excellently ornamented images of Sacred Tree, Winged Sun, holy plants, stars, planets, sacral signs, scenes of hunt, figures of horse riders, soldiers and priests, the most significant parts of presented iconography comprised the principally important key pictures of Sacred Animals and Fantastic Creatures. Their outlines and compositions with other main iconographic elements created the mythological content of Urartian belts, thus, making those objects sacred and having a special meaning and significance. As our investigation suggests, bronze belts were considered as sacred talismans or “mini-temples” serving the purpose of carrying Divine Forces and the images of Gods, Genies, Sacred Animals and Fantastic Creatures in one given amulet-object, that inspired Urartians in their war or piece activities, and, according to their beliefs, helped them to achieve the victory and success in all undertakings.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
Turkish
Subjects
Archaeology
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Saak Tarontsi
*
YSU - Yerevan State University, Faculty of History, Department of Archaeology and Ethnography
Armenia
Publication Date
December 28, 2017
Submission Date
November 30, 2017
Acceptance Date
December 12, 2017
Published in Issue
Year 2017 Volume: 2 Number: 3