THE MOON, SPIRALS (SNAKES) AND THE GODDESS IN TRIPIL ORNAMENTS

Abstract

The study of Tryplian ornaments with a moon and snake theme is important for insight into the mythology of the Tryplians. The purpose of the article is to reveal the semantics behind the symbolism of the moon and snakes. The structural method was used in the research process. The eight – and seven-membered structures in the ornaments of the moon are highlighted. The seven-membered structure of symbols on ceramics from the Maidanetske settlement was studied. It is shown that seven (eight) phases of the moon are hidden behind them, which were embodied by four goddesses and four gods. The «running spiral» ornament was analyzed. It has been identified as a seven-membered structure that conveys the phases of the moon. A number of variants of this ornament are considered, confirming the proposed semantics. The relationship between the fema le Goddess, the moon and the spiral (snakes) in ornaments has been studied. It is shown that the people of Tripil lia identified the female Goddess with the moon, that they also identified spirals (snakes) with the moon. It was concluded that the symbol of the spiral (snakes) on the Goddess symbolized the moon. The prevalence of lunar and serpent themes in Tryplian ornaments indicates the dominance of the Moon Goddess in this culture. Penetration into the semantics of the moon-snake theme opens a perspective for revealing the content of other Tryplian ornaments and ornaments
of cultures related to them. It can also serve as a key to understanding the semantics of folk (including Ukrainian) ornaments.