EUROPEAN PARALLELS OF GEORGIAN ORNAMENT IN BASQUE CULTURE
Abstract
In this article, the study of Georgian ornament is presented from an ethnological standpoint, in which samples of European traditional culture are used as parallel material.
The study objects were selected from the material representing the Basque ethno cultural heritage, which is preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Bilbao and the Historical Museum of San Telmo[1]. In order to expand the research, photographs of exhibits preserved in the museums of Bayonne and Bilbao were also used photographs of exhibits which kept in the museums of Bayonne and Bilbao.
Interest in traditional Basque culture, was driven by the kinship ties between the Georgian and Basque peoples, which civilized society has been talking about for millennia.
The research was conducted using data collection, photography, and comparative-analytical methods. Visual material was processed using the method of visual anthropology, direct observation of photographs. The collected material was systematized, classified, and identified. Appropriate analysis was performed.
The article discusses hypotheses about the study of Basque genetic connections, one of the most important of which concerns the common origins of Georgians and Basques. It also discusses the similarities and differences in the linguistic and funeral customs of these ethnic groups.
The study showed that there are great significant similarities between Georgian and Basque ornaments, which were most evident on memorial, namely Basque, disc-shaped tombstones, wooden household utensils and furniture.
The similarity between the ornaments existing in Georgian and Basque life, among the symbols-signs, was observed in the types of the cross (floral, enclosed in a circle, radiant); Between the Georgian Borjghala and the Basque Lauburu; from floral decor – in the lily, from solar signs – in the star, from zoomorphic – in the bull, from bird figures – in the eagle and the dove. Also noteworthy are the simple geometric outlines, the diverse compositions of which are abundantly represented on both Georgian and Basque everyday objects.
In order to strengthen the argument of the common genetics of these two ethnic groups, the paper cites as examples: the cultivation of one endemic variety of wheat, the placing preparation of wine in clay kvevri (pots) on using chacha; the coincidence of the Georgian sacred tree - oak and the Basque sacred tree - genrika; Georgian and Basque three-part folk songs and a folk dance similar to the khorumi.
Keywords: ornament; Basque tombstone; cross; Georgian Borjghali[2]/Basque lauburu; lily; Georgian Oak/Basque Genrica; Georgian/Basque wine; Georgian/Basque wheat.
[1] The scientific research team consisting of Lia Lursmanashvili, Gulnara Kvantidze, and Nato Pailodze collected the material during a business trip to the Basque Country on March 18-24, 2024. within the framework of the project “Research on the Types of Ancient Georgian Woven Ornaments and Processing of Textiles with Traditional and Modern Technologies”, with the financial support of the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia (Grant (FR-21-19932).
[2] The borjghali is a symbol of Georgian identity, representing the sun, rotation, and eternity.
