Ossetian ornaments have been created for many centuries. They are considered one of the oldest in the culture of the Caucasus. Ossetian patterns are different, they can not be confused with other types of ornaments. They can be traced on almost all household items. These are dishes, clothes, various tools, tombstones and much more.
Where were Ossetian ornaments used and their meaning?
As a talisman, patterns were applied to weapons, furniture, at the head of the bed or to the cradle of a child, chairs, chairs and tables. In well-to-do homes, the ornament was even applied to the pillars, arches, window frames and gates. Moreover, such styles always carried a certain code or message.
The Ossetian ornament is fraught with a sacred sign, the meaning of which was lost over time. Decipher and understand them are trying to modern scientists. However, they are not always able to understand the meaning of these styles. And now, looking at the patterns of Ossetia, we perceive them as simply beautiful things.
From simple to complex
At first, the Ossetian ornament was simple and unpretentious. Primitive strokes, circles, spirals of various lengths and thicknesses, zigzag lines. But gradually the patterns became more complicated, new elements were added in the form of geometric images of animals and plants.
Later images began to take the form of geometric patterns, which consisted of a large number of curls, spirals, various rhombuses and lines. The shapes of animals and birds harmoniously fit into this. These were peacock, bull and lamb heads intertwined with plant patterns.
Embroidered with such patterns mainly clothes, shoes and hats. Ornamental compositions were made with threads of gold or silver. They were not only decoration of clothes, but also protective patterns.
Woman - the main expert on magic signs
Among all ancient peoples, a woman was considered the keeper of the hearth and the blessed energy of the house. She worked wool and leather, felted cloaks, made homespun cloth, sewed fur coats and towels. A woman could sew any clothes for her husband, children, for herself and at the same time tastefully decorate her.
The caring housewife did not forget to put amulets on the clothes that protected her household from all the bad things. Usually magic Ossetian ornaments and patterns were embroidered in certain places of clothing.
A collar, a cuff shirt, hem, cuts on shirts or sundresses, all this was covered with ornamental compositions. It was believed that the material remains impenetrable to evil spirits thanks to weaving magic. And they tried to protect the places where the material ended and the body began, with ornaments of magic.
The women of Ossetia were considered skilled craftsmen and did not know their peers in gold embroidery. They decorated with gold embroidery not only holiday clothes, but also small household items. These are pouches, various boxes, cases, purses, bags for needlework and much more.
Women wedding wear
For each thing or place in clothes, a certain ornament was chosen. In clothes for women, a floral pattern and a serpentine pattern prevailed. They have been used since ancient times, when the main one was Mother Goddess Api. The upper part of the body of the goddess was female, and the lower snake.
Ornamental patterns of vegetation personified nature, the universe and the entire surrounding world. They were placed on the edges of the dress, where the fabric ends, which also protects the woman. The dress completely covered the bride's body from prying eyes.
At the edges of the dress isosceles triangles were embroidered, the top of which always rested against the corner of the floor. From the triangle, or rather from its base, the curves diverging to the sides diverged fertility. The rhombic figures on the Ossetian wedding attire symbolized the earth, plants and woman at the same time.
The bride’s hat is also decorated with serpentine-shaped vegetation, but animal ornament is already added here. Often, peacock heads were embroidered on a wedding cap.
Ossetian wedding clothes were also decorated with galloons, braid and gold embroidery. True, there were fewer decorations and ornaments than on a women's dress. Men's wedding attire should be strict in shape and color.
Metal
Carving on natural materials and metal was done by Ossetian men. In this case, they were real craftsmen. Skilful Ossetian ornament is recognized at first sight. Masters used patterns in weapons and blacksmithing, jewelry. Wooden and stone products were decorated with carvings.
Gunsmiths decorated thinly carved daggers, knives, and guns. A plant pattern prevailed on such products. Often, he imperceptibly intertwined with animal ornaments, creating bizarre lines and transitions. Such products were in great demand. The Ossetian ornament also makes household items unique and in demand.
On each thing a specific pattern was carved. On bowls, goblets and glasses, an animal ornament prevailed in the form of the heads of rams and bulls. Ornate vegetation in the form of curls was added to them.
Wood carving
Furniture and wooden parts of the house were decorated with rhombuses, triangles, squares, straight lines. Combinations of solar and geometric patterns were carved on arches, supporting columns and gates. The ornament was applied to wooden doors, ceiling beams, jambs, cornices. All styles carried only magical meaning. They must protect the home from evil spirits that might encroach on their home.
Wooden containers for dough, bowls and dishes, chairs and chairs - all this was decorated with magic signs. Particular attention was paid to the wooden table for sacrifices. Ornamental patterns were carefully selected, each sign carried a sacred meaning
Stone patterns
Stone cutters woven into their ornaments an unknown cosmogony, which intertwined with the ornamental sign of the deceased. Looking at a tombstone decorated with sacred patterns, a person found out who was buried here, his fate, occupation, social status
Stone carving in ancient times was very popular. Fighting towers and funerary crypts were decorated with solar crosses, quadrangles, geometric figures. Tombstones are decorated with sacred signs.
Masters and craftswomen of modernity carefully preserve ancient traditions. Women create beautiful ornaments by embroidering them with threads of gold, silver and silk. Men can forge daggers and knives with floral patterns. They know how to create circles with geometric patterns and pens in the shape of a ram's head.
At present, not every specialist can decipher Ossetian ornaments and their significance. That's why they are considered a riddle like a code or a cipher of ancient people to our generation.