Z-Symbols in the Interpretation of the Semantics of the Configuration of S- and Г-Shaped Scythian Cheek-Pieces of the Eastern European Zone

Abstract

The work deals with the issue of the regional specificity of the formation and development of the Dionysian cult and Orphic teachings, common in the Northern Black Sea region during the Greek colonization of the 6th–5th centuries BC. On the extensive Scythian archaeological material of the Eastern European zone, the design of horse headbands decorated with cult symbols of Dionysus-Zagreus is being studied. S-shaped and Г-shaped Scythian cheekpieces serve as an object of study to determine whether their configuration corresponds to the inscriptions of the initial letter in the Greek name Zagreus on bone plates from Olbia, which are the first epigraphic evidence of the penetration of the Orphic teaching into the Northern Black Sea region. The results reveal the semantic content of the shape of the Scythian cheekpieces, imitating the inscription of the letter zeta, the initial letter in the name of Dionysus Zagreus, or serving as the designation of number seven, a magical number for adherents of the Dionysian cult and Orphism as a religious and philosophical doctrine. The symbols of the Dionysian cult and the Orphic teachings, used by the Scythians in the manufacture of decorative elements for horse equipment, performed an apothropeic and mystical function for those initiated or close to this cult, or served as a certain distinctive sign in society. Further study of Scythian artifacts for the presence of Dionysian symbolism will allow us to trace the extent of the spread of the cult of Dionysus, as well as make a comparative description with other areas of the Scythian-Siberian world and reveal the semantic load of animal images in connection with the shape of products decorated in the Scythian animal style.

Keywords

• archaeology
• early iron age
• northern black sea region
• dionysian symbolism
• cult of dionysus-zagreus
• orphism
• scythian cheek-pieces