Symbolism of Ceramics of the Bronze Age Kazakhstan

Abstract

Abstract:

Clay had sacral value in traditional cultures since the ancient times. Since the ancient civilizations, this terrestrial material promoted disclosure of reformative abilities, spiritual search and creative aspirations of the mankind. Early mythological, later religious and philosophical systems refer to clay as “God's spark”. The substance was spiritualized in Tengri belief, and later in the Bible and Koran. Mentioning as “God's spark” at a certain degree acquired a sacral value of fire, by means of which the ceramics was burned. For this reason, products from ceramics, besides their purely utilitarian appointment, have a special symbolism.

In this article, the symbolism of ceramics of the Bronze age Kazakhstan is searched. It is focused on the Andronovo culture. It was interpreted from the philosophical viewpoint, with the usage of the Regveda, the hymn of the Sanskrit hymns. Besides, the shapes, features, motifs and décors of the ceramics in the Andronovo period are dealt with. 

Keywords

• Key Words: Archaeology,ceramics,Bronze age,Kazakhstan,Andronovo culture,the Regveda

References

1. Muratayev, Kurman (2011). Essays on the History and Theory of Applied Art of Kazakhstan. Almaty: Öner. Smirnova, N. (ed.) (1972). Kazakh Folklore in the Collection of G. Potanin. Alma-Ata: Nauka.The Rigveda (1999). Translated by T.Ya. Elizarenkova. Moscow: Nauka.