Semantic Features of Transcultural Zoomorphic Images in Ancient Russian Amulets of the Times of Kyiv Russ

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to identify the semantic features of transcultural zoomorphic images of ancient Ruthenians and the features of their representation in amulets of the times of Kyivan Rus. The research methodology included the use of the following methods: comparative, analytical, comparison, generalization and systematization - to form substantiated conclusions on the outlined topic. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the art historical study of zoomorphic pendants-amulets of ancient Ruthenians of the 9th–13th centuries. and the identification of the content and meaning that represented the images of animals during the time of Kyivan Rus. Conclusions. The article is devoted to the art-historical study of zoomorphic amulet pendants of the ancient Rusyns of the 9th-13th centuries. and to the identification of the content and meaning that represented the images of animals during the time of Kievan Rus. It is stated that the ancient Rusyns were characterized by certain cults of animal veneration. It is found that the Orthodox-pagan complex historically formed in the life of the population of Kievan Rus in the process of Christianization is an extremely complex system of beliefs, customs, superstitions and religious-mystical rites, pagan in origin, which were then synthesized with elements of the Orthodox faith. It was found that the function of the amulet of the ancient Ruthenians consisted of its elements (zoomorphic image, additional elements creating a sound effect), which constitute the main magical-religious meaning, such as a connection with deities, common use through association and ritual function. A zoomorphic amulet during the time of Kievan Rus usually represented a few-centimeter bronze or silver figurine suspended on a short or long chain in the shape of a circle, an infinity sign or the letter "S", usually to a connecting bracket - a larger number of amulets accordingly increased the protection of their owners from the forces of evil. It has been proven that the basis of archaic zoomorphic amulets, which became an important element of ancient Russian art, is the belief in their magical protective properties. Zoomorphic amulets of the 9th-13th centuries. testify to the cult of such transcultural animals as the horse (the personification of solar images) and the duck (has a pronounced cosmogonic meaning) - pendants in the form of grasshoppers and ducks were considered powerful amulets, capable of bringing all sorts of good luck to their owner, and in combination with bells and rattles - protecting against misfortune, illness and evil forces.