Ritual symbolics in the sign space of a rushnyk

Abstract

The symbolic of a national ornament is of interest to researchers-ethnographers.
Among numerous rushnyks – Belarus national ceremonial cloths – some have
unusual symbolics, as, for example, a rushnyk of 20 th century from Kapyl district
of the Minsk oblast of Belarus. In the article the motive of a step rhombus in
a national ornament of the Eastern Europe, variants of its forms and names in
different cultures, and also areas of its distribution outside of the Eastern Europe,
such as in Asia and in India, are considered. On the basis of C.G. Jung’s works
the hypothesis explaining existence of the step rhombus and double axe (labrys)
motives amongst South America Indians is offered. The interrelation of this
ornamental element with zoomorphic cult is shown. The hypothesis about value
of separate elements, which represent stylized axe with two edges, is offered, and
variants of their images in national textiles are shown. Other symbols that are found
next to stepped rhombus on a Belarusian rushnyk are considered. The hypothesis
about value of separate elements which represent stylised axe with two edges
is offered and variants of their images in national textiles are shown. Based on
folklore materials the hypothesis about double ritual purpose of ceremonial cloth
from Kapyl district is offered: 1 – for wedding, and 2 – in national medicine.
Keywords: a national ornament, a step rhombus, an eagle, labrys, a
radiculitis