e-MUSEUM
Spirituality
Human and animal terra cottas were sacred
objects used in spiritual practices in the Trypillian culture.
The female image in different iconographic shapes prevails
in Trypillian plastic art to male images occurring rarely.
Even from the early period Trypillia realistic models of faces
and figurines have been found. Common characteristics include
realistic head, eyes and open mouth. Probably, these terra
cottas served as Spirits of the Ancestors. Female sacred images
were personifications of specific aspects of the Great Goddess
(Great Mother, Mother-Goddess, Mother-Earth). These images
also symbolize the matron who gives life, and the patroness
who protects and renews life. A horned female figurine can
be interpreted as an image of a Goddess-Cow, help-mate of
the Heavenly God. Broken clay figurines are related to ceremonies
of sacrifice or the practice of magic.
So-called ceramic binoculars, the clay models
of sledges and houses, the bowls and pots with animal heads
are all related to the spiritual life of Trypillians, who
appear to have been very spiritual. Pottery has animalistic
decoration and ornamental patterns, which were designed to
protect the content of the pot. The purpose of binocular shaped
objects is still not known completely, although some researchers
think that it served in agricultural ceremonies for worshipping
rain or in making sacrifices.
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