Ceramics with zoomorphic and anthropomorphic features from Kastek-1 settlement

Archaeological researches of the medieval settlement Kastek-1 situated in the Zhetysu territory are being gone since 2011. During this period, the group of cult ceramics of VIII–IX and X–XI centuries was picked up. In 2019 the collection was refilled. There are some interesting finds as the fragment of jar with its anthropomorphic ears settled under whisk and altar vessel with a tightly attached lid and a trapezoidal opening on the body. Zoomorphic pictures are presented with the images of snake, ram, wolf, duck (murgobi). The finds reveal peculiar features in the worldview of Kastek-1 residents. The jars used during calendar holidays and could also be used in everyday practice in connection with the rites of purification, magical actions that provide fertility, protection from evil spirits. The ceremonies of the general meal were of ritual significance. Their goal was to unite the believers, to confirm their isolation from other religions. The dishes seemed to be a receptacle of food, like a body as a receptacle of the soul, with its appearance it was supposed to resemble a person and animals. In determining the meaning and significance of things, various studies and analogies were involved in determining the meaning and significance of things

Aesthetics · Altar · Ancient history · Archaeology · Art · Cult · Ornaments · Receptacle · Soul · Theology · Visual arts · Engineering · History · Philosophy · Religious Studies and Spiritual Practices