Some Geometrical Motifs in Caucasus and in Cappadocia in the Middle Ages: Meditations About Its Origin and Interpretation

Abstract

Introduction. The article deals with the frescoes of the specific style “red signs” on the rock. They were widespread in the architectural monuments of Cappadocia. The focus of the research is the motifs of triangular and rhombus (with the dots inside and without it) between the 9th and 10th centuries. Methods. These motifs are compared to the similar images on the stone reliefs (architectural decoration) from the territory of the Northern Caucasus and Western Georgia of the medieval period. A certain number of common features are underlined and studied. Analysis. In both situations the representations are made in primitive planar graphic style with the minimal set of technical means. The iconographical repertoire is rich in zoomorphic images (their biological identification is difficult to determine), geometrical signs, and rosettes. The origins of the motif are traced back up to the ancient cultures in Asia Minor, Caucasus and the Near East. Its development is shown by means of ethnographical witnesses. Results. In conclusion, there is supposition that the permanent presence of the motif in sacral and traditional every day culture of the Northern Caucasus and Western Georgia is due to the influence of the Koban-Colchis cultural and historical community. In medieval Christian culture, it could have function of apotropeia. So, the article deals with the specific aspect of very interesting theme that is the culture of the barbaric periphery of the Byzantine empire in the period between 9th and 10th centuries.