Semantics of Bronze Bracelet Images From Staroselsky Teryuhansky Cemetery

Abstract

The paper examines a bronze bracelet with five mythological plot inserts, found at the Staroselsky Mordo­vian (Teryuhansky) cemetery. According to the authors, the bracelet represents a synthesis of various religious motifs: its mythological scenes feature transcultural archetypes, which indicates the universal nature of the plots, the unity of cultural codes and the interrelationships of religious beliefs that are reflected in this adorn­ment. Having considered all the images, the authors came to a conclusion that the composition of the scenes is not random. The main scene, which is also central, provides information about the world order, the supreme goddess and her hypostases. It is surrounded on both sides by two protective images in the form of guardian animals - griffins. On the sides of the bracelet are two traditional images of apparent importance for the self­consciousness of the Mordvins-Teryukhans - “utkokon” (duck-horse) and totem leopard. The presented five- part system with a female image in the center is commonly encountered at various art monuments of many cultures.

Keywords

• archaeology
• nizhny novgorod oblast
• staroselsky teryuhansky cemetery
• mordva-teryuhanes
• mythological scenes
• bronze bracelet