SEMANTICS OF THE IMAGE OF THE BUll IN THE ART OF THE STONE AGE

Abstract

Based on the analysis of artifacts, the evolution of the semantic load of the image of the bull from the time of its appearance in the art of the Upper Paleolithic from 33 000 to 21 000 BC is traced. until the end of the Neolithic. A hypothesis is considered about the reflection of the main religious-worldview ideas of a particular historical period in the characteristic of the dominant sign of the zodiac during this period, in which, as a result of precession for 2150 years, there is a point of intersection of the ecliptic and the equator (the point of vernal equinox). Arguments for a positive solution to this problem are proposed. The author compares the religious-worldview ideas associated with the cult of the bull with the semantic characteristics of the signs of the 12-member zodiacal circle, adopted in modern astronomy. It is concluded, that the reflection of the main religious cults and ideas in the characteristics of the zodiac signs took place not only during the development of astronomy, but also in period of primitive societies, that had no idea about the zodiac.