TRIPILLIAN WIND INSTRUMENTS OF THE ENEOLITHIC ERA: VARIETIES AND CEREMONIAL AND RITUAL FUNCTIONS
Abstract
The purpose of the article – is to introduce unknown archaeological artifacts and iconographic sources into the international scientific circulation, as well as to carry out an instrumental analysis of the morphology of Tripillian wind instruments according to the international classification musical instruments by Hornbostel – Sachs and to determine their functions in ceremonial and ritual practices.
Research methodology. The paper uses combined archaeological and organological research methods.
Results. Five varieties of Trypillian wind instruments were distinguished based on the instrumental analysis of morphology. Vessel-flutes without finger holes (421.221.41) made from the phalanges of a bull existed at the early stage of the development of the Trypillian civilization (4700-4600 BC, stage A). According to the principle of pars pro toto, these instruments embodied the image of the bull in magical rites as a symbol of power and male initiation. At the end of the middle and the beginning of the late stages (3600–3200 BC, stage BII–CI), another type of them appears – vessel flutes (ocarinas) with fingerholes (421.221.42), which were made of clay in the shape of birds and were associated with spring agricultural rites. Among the musical instruments of the Trypilians in the middle and late stages, there were also longitudinal open overtone flutes of two varieties – without fingerholes (421.111.11) and with fingerholes (421.111.12). A similar flute is depicted on the amphora in the hands of one of the female dancers performing a ritual dance. The scenes depicted on the amphora embody the rites of the spring-summer cycle. The study of Trypillian sacred symbolism made it possible to identify the objects held in the hands of two male figures. This is an image of natural wooden trumpets without mouthpiece (423.121.11) and on the basis of traditional analogues reconstruct the technology of their production. The drawn strokes on the hands of the figurines, wands and musical instruments make it possible to identify these anthropomorphic figurines as the embodiment of the image of the Serpent, which was closely associated with the cult of the Mother Goddess, the Progenitor.
Novelty. The study of wind instruments of the Trypillian civilization and their significance in the spiritual culture has not yet become the subject of an instrumental study. Information about the finds of wind instruments is contained exclusively in the publications of archaeological excavations, therefore they remain unknown to musicologists.
The practical significance. The paper materials can be used in research on the musical and instrumental culture of the ancient peoples of the world.
