Comparative Analysis of the Khazar and Slavic-Russian Attire of Adornments

Abstract

The author analyzes the development traditions of the costume and associated attire of adornments characteristic of the Slavs and Khazar Khaganate peoples. In 6th – 7th centuries the Slavs wore decorated clothing fastened with fibulae and an attire of large adornments mainly composed of metal. Since 8th century the attire became lighter, but the massive shapes of torcs and bracelets remained. Among the adornments crafted in Ancient Rus during 10th century were a silver jewellery filigree attire and widespread military amulets, whereas the amulets related to settled peaceful lifestyle took the shape of clusters on chains. The Khazar people wore buttoned clothing, their textile headdresses developed on the basis of the sheet style and was combined with earrings. They wore signet rings, stone and glass beads, but torcs and bracelets were not characteristic. A developed culture of amulets is associated with solar cults, fertility and the animal world. The difference in traditions is related to the various economies and household organization of settled and nomadic peoples. A similar tradition is reflected in the attire of jewellery adornments which had become widespread by 10th century. Combination of these attires, according to the author, was only possible in forms which did not interfere with the traditions of two different systems: a primarily metal attire of the a lighter attire of nomads largely consisting of natural materials.

Keywords

• archaeology
• the Middle Ages
• headdress
• adornments
• metal
• glass
• stone
• temple rings
• earrings
• necklaces
• amulets