RODS WITH ELK HEADS: SYMBOL IN RITUAL CONTEXT

Abstract

The paper considers a particular type of rods, namely, the carved rods with protuberances in the form of an elk.s head. These items and their rock art depictions. dating from the Mesolithic to Early Metal Age. are analysed in terms of their morphology, location area, chronology and finding context. Such rods were sacred items with a multiple of symbolic meanings, evidently used in rites by mature or old men. They could have been connected with the notions of fertility and symbolized the cold season of the year, associated with mature (or old) age. Rod depictions on petroglyths obviously represented magic items connected with the notion of reproduction and symbolizing the Universe.