ON ONE KIND OF OLD RUS AMULETS OF THE THEOTOKOS TYPE FROM THE СOLLECTION OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF UKRAINIAN HISTORY

Abstract

Since the end of the 10th century Christianity became the official religion of Old Rus, but paganism lasted for centuries among people. One of the proofs of this is pagan symbolism on many decorations of the 10th – 13th centuries. A vivid example of this are bilateral мedallion-amulet, combining Christian images and pagan – ‘snake creatures’ – on its sides. Such products are indicators of the complex transition from the pagan to the Christian religion and an example of their interaction. Introduced to Rus’ from Byzantium, these Christian amulets eventually adapted to the needs of the local population. The medallion-amulets with the image of the Virgin with the Child on their hands were the most popular. They appeared in the 12th century and existed untill the 16th century, becoming the objects of personal piety.
Keywords: medallion-amulet, Theotokos, Virgin of Tenderness, сollection of Khanenko family