Ossetian ornaments were created for manycenturies. They are considered one of the ancient cultures of the Caucasus. Ossetian patterns are different, they can not be confused with other types of ornaments. They are traced on almost all household items. These are dishes, clothes, various tools, tombstones and much more.
Where Ossetian ornaments and their meaning were used
As a charm, patterns were applied to weapons, furniture, inthe head of the bed or on the cradle of the child, chairs, armchairs and tables. In well-to-do houses, the ornament was even applied to pillars, arches, window frames and gates. At the same time, such inscriptions always carried in themselves a certain cipher or message.
Ornament of the Ossetian conceals a sacred sign in itself,whose meaning has been lost in time. Decipher and understand them, modern scientists are trying. However, they do not always succeed in understanding the meaning of these inscriptions. And now, looking at the patterns of Ossetia, we perceive them as simply beautiful things.
From simple to complex
At first the Ossetic ornament was simple andunpretentious. Primitive strokes, circles, spirals of different length and thickness, zigzag lines. But gradually the patterns became more complicated, new elements were added in the form of geometrical images of animals and plants.
Later images began to take the form ofgeometric patterns, which consisted of a large number of curls, spiral, various diamonds and lines. The outlines of animals and birds harmoniously fit here. They were peacocks, bull and sheep heads, intertwined with plant patterns.
Embroidered with such patterns, mostly clothes,shoes and hats. Ornamental compositions were made with threads of gold or silver. They were not only an ornament of clothes, but also protective patterns.
Woman - the main expert of magic signs
For all ancient peoples the woman was consideredthe keeper of the home and the gracious energy of the house. She worked wool and leather, felled burki, manufactured homespun cloth, sewed fur coats and bashlyks. A woman could sew any clothes for her husband, children, for herself and at the same time tastefully decorate her.
Careful mistress did not forget to put patterns, wards for clothes that were guarded from all her bad household members. Usually, magical Ossetian ornaments and patterns were embroidered in certain places of clothing.
Gates, cuffs of shirt, hem, cuts on shirtsor sarafans, all this was covered with ornamental compositions. It was believed that the material remains impenetrable to evil spirits due to weaving magic. And the place where the material ended, and the body began, tried to protect the ornaments with magic.
The women of Ossetia were considered skilled craftsmen anddid not know themselves equal in gold embroidery business. They decorated with gold embroidery not only festive clothes, but also small objects of use. These are pouches, various boxes, cases, purses, bags for needlework and much more.
Wedding wear women
For every thing or place in the clothing was chosenspecific ornament. The clothes for women were dominated by a floral pattern and serpentine. They were used since ancient times, when the main was the Mother Goddess Api. The upper part of the body of the goddess was feminine, and the lower half-serpentine.
Ornamental patterns of vegetation personifiednature, the universe and the whole world around. They were located on the edges of the dress, where the fabric ends, which also protects the woman. The dress completely covered the body of the bride from extraneous views.
Isosceles were embroidered around the edges of the dress.triangles, the top of which always rested against the corner of the floor. From the triangle, and more precisely from its base, the curves that signified fertility diverged. Rhombic figures in the wedding dress of Ossetians symbolized the earth, the plants and the woman at the same time.
The bride's cap is also decorated with serpentine-shaped vegetation, but animal ornament is added here. Often the head of the peacocks were embroidered on a wedding hat.
Ossetian wedding clothes were also decorated.braids, braid and gold embroidery. True, there were less adornments and ornamentation than on women's dress. Male wedding attire should be strict in shape and color.
Metal
Carving on natural materials and metalengaged men Ossetians. In this case, they were real craftsmen. Ossetian artwork is recognizable at first sight. Masters used patterns in the arms and blacksmithing, jewelry. Wood and stone were decorated with carvings.
Gunsmiths decorated with fine carvingsdaggers, knives and shotguns. On such products the vegetative pattern prevailed. He often quietly intertwined with animal ornaments, creating fancy lines and transitions. Such products were in great demand. Ossetian ornament makes and now household items unique and in demand.
On each thing a certain pattern was cut. On bowls, cups and glasses dominated by animal ornaments in the form of sheep heads, bulls. To them was added ornate vegetation in the form of curls.
Wood carving
Furniture and wooden parts of the house were decorated.rhombus, triangles, squares, straight lines. Combinations of solar and geometric patterns were carved on the arches, supporting columns and gates. The ornament was applied on wooden doors, ceiling beams, jambs, cornices. All inscriptions carried only magical meaning. They must protect the home from evil spirits that could encroach on their home.
Wooden containers for dough, bowls and dishes,chairs and chairs - all this was decorated with magic signs. Special attention was paid to a wooden table for sacrifices. The ornamental patterns were carefully chosen, each sign carried a sacred meaning.
Stone patterns
Stonecutters masters woven into their ornamentsuncharted cosmogony, which is intertwined with the ornamental sign of the deceased. Looking at the tombstone decorated with sacral patterns, a person found out who was buried here, his fate, occupation, social status
Stone carving in ancient times enjoyedvery popular. The battle towers and burial crypts were decorated with solar crosses, quadrangles, and geometric figures. Tombstones are decorated with sacred signs.
Masters and masters of modern times carefully keptancient traditions. Women create beautiful ornaments, 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 handles in the form of a ram's head.
Currently, Ossetian ornaments and their meaning are far from being understood by every specialist. That's why they are considered a mystery, like a code or a cipher of ancient people to our generation.
