The article presents the results of a study of the process of formation of early symbolic behavior in the territory of the Upper and Middle Amur basin. The empirical basis of the study is archaeologically fixed samples of mobile art. The Amur basin, the territories of the Upper and Middle Amur have been included in the migration of human populations and cultural contacts since ancient times. In Eastern Transbaikalia, examples of early symbolism have been recorded at the Sukhotino-4 archaeological site. Samples of early symbolism are represented by zoomorphic figures, ornaments and other artifacts. The Selemdzha culture occupies an important place in the history of the formation and development of the Upper Paleolithic in the Amur basin. In the Selemdzha culture, samples of early symbolism are represented by stone figures of a fish and a bear, as well as a “baton”. The figure of the fish resembles the shape of the phallus. Among the Amur Upper Paleolithic sites, the Malyye Kuruktachi-1 site occupies a special position. During the excavation, a stone sculpture of a bear was found. Symbolic objects are associated with religious-mythological representations and ritual practices that are related to zoolatry, phallic cult and other early forms of religion. The emergence of symbolic activity and early forms of religion was a general pattern of human evolution. This process went on in all territories developed by man. The ancient territory of the Upper and Middle Amur was no exception.
Keywords: symbolism, religion, Upper Paleolithic, Amur river basin, mobile art, zoolatry, phallic cult, bear cult
DOI: 10.22250/20728662_2022_2_5
About the author
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Andrey P. Zabiyako – DSc (Philosophy), Full Professor, Head of the Department of Religious Studies and History, |