Митологични мотиви върху домашните иконостаси и надгробните паметници от епохата на Възраждането в с. Градец, Сливенско
Mythological Motifs on Domestic Icon Stands and Gravestones from the National Revival Period in the Village of Gradets, District of Sliven

Summary/Abstract: Attention is drawn in the study mainly upon motifs and symbols underlying the make of objects pertaining to two spheres of folk art from the National Revival period – woodcarving and memorial sculpture. The frames of the icon stands under consideration disclose several mythological motifs which are related to the ancient mythological composition consisting of the Tree of Life surrounded on both sides by lamias (serpents). The serpent is the main image on all icon stands discussed. It is presented as bringing fertility, having a preservative function, or fighting a dog. On the basis of examples from verbal folklore and the analysis carried out, certain conclusions are drawn regarding the function of the serpent carved in domestic icon stands – it is meant to preserve the home and its welfare. The gravestones reveal definite endeavours to implement aesthetic tastes and at the same time to achieve richness and variety in conveying the basic folk conceptions of the world. Freedom and ease in the search for themes and ideas, and in their realization is evident. The function of gravestones as mediators between this world and the other world is taken into consideration when motifs are analysed. Correspondingly, two semantic fields are outlined with regard to ornamental compositions. The Tree of Life with serpents on both sides is present as are also symbols (floral and solar rosettes) echoing a cult of the Sun. Although in many ornaments the preference for the decorative element and its aesthetic value could be traced, what underlies these ornaments are fixed mythological subject-matters conveying the folk beliefs and ideas about the world. This gives evidence as to the integral, systemic and stable character of our folk culture.

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