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L.N. Ermolenko (Kemerovo) – Deer Motif in the Dеcor of Nomadic Quivers of the Early Scythian and Golden Horde Periods

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Abstract

The article examines the connection between the deer motif and the quiver (bowcase). The decor of quivers (bowcase) from burial sites of the early Scythian/early Saka period (Great Gumarovsky Kurgan, Chilikty, Kelermes burial ground) is analyzed. The author believes that the image of a deer in the decor of quivers (bowcase) is connected with the motif of torment associated with the idea of sacrifice. The figures of deer and predators are interpreted as images of “scenes of torment” that actualize the act of sacrifice. When considering the compositional aspect of the decor of quivers (bowcase), composed of individual zoomorphic plaques, an analogy is drawn with variants of compositions on deer stones of the Mongol-Transbaikal type. The connection of the quiver (bowcase) with a deer is manifested in the use of its skin/leather in the design of the product. The association of the image of a deer with a quiver (bowcase) could be based on the apotropaic meaning of “scenes of torment” (including partial ones); ideas about a deer as a preferred victim of the deadly contents of a quiver; on sympathetic magic: a quiver made of deer skin could be likened to a deer, which “transferred” its swiftness to arrows. A reminiscence of the custom of decorating a quiver with figures of deer is demonstrated by the bone facings of quivers from the Golden Horde period, and carvers often depicted deer with legs tucked under the body.

Keywords

Quiver, bowcase, deer, scene of torment, deer stone, composition, Scythian period, Golden Horde period.

Lyubov N. Ermolenko

Kemerovo State University, Kemerovo, Russia

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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