Pazyryk Aesthetic

Images from the Sacred Lands of Altai

by Joanna Dobson

“Symbols are doorways leading into the realms governed by the sacred”

For every sacred realm and dimension there is a code or symbol which gives access to that realm. Repetition of such symbols reinforces their vitality because through repetition atoms of an analogous nature are drawn to the original. When we concentrate on a symbol we become co creators. Reaching deep into the realms of the inner world a trace is left which links us with the source of the symbol - whatever its nature. Thus through symbols we may connect with the mind of the past…

The images of the ancient Pazyryk culture (Iron Age) are highly ornate, be they carved into stone, leather or wood, sewn in felt or boned into skin. They capture a vitality which remains tangible thousands of years later and hold the secrets of an ancient culture. We tend to assume that ancient artefacts have no contemporary function. The Pazyryk images however, radiate more vitality and a higher vibrational content than many contemporary images; looking at them one has a sense of transcending time.

So let us go together now on a journey, through the doorways and into the timelessness and grace of the subtle worlds…..

“You are the magic in your life” Originally carved into a wooden plaque; Pazyryk burial complex 3. Ulagan region, Altai. The back half of the hare has literally been flipped ‘up-side down’ thereby simultaneously creating the harmony of symmetry with the movement of the spiral and figure-of-eight. It is not the hare that is magic so much as fully appreciating the beauty of the hare for the first time.

“The wise ones, treading the path gently” The deer were originally carved into a wooden sarcophagus. Tuekta burial complex 2. Ongudai Region. Deer tread the earth calmly and surely, whilst their antlers reach high up to the sun and sky.

“Be fantastic – leap for your life” Pazyryk tattoo image belonging to a male mummy excavated from the Ukok plateau, Kosh Agach region, Altai.

Now held at the Novosibirsk museum of Archaeology & Anthropology.

cauldron.

Archaeologists suggest that the tattoos were made with a soot mixture scraped from the edge of a

“Dragon words whirl and wishes come true in the passion of their making” Pazyryk male tattoo; Pazyryk Kurgan 2, Pazyryk male tattoo; Pazyryk Kurgan 2, Ulagan Region.

“Grace”

Everyone in Altai will recognise this last image ‘grace’. It is the tattoo of a Pazyryk female mummy excavated from the Ukok Plateau, Kosh-Agach region, Altai; now held at the Archaeology & Anthropology museum SB RAS, Novosibirsk.

Her tattoos, one could say, are a map of the subtle worlds or the song of Altai’s high aesthetic potential.

“He liveth well who prayeth well, both man and bird and beast” The sphinx image was originally part of a felt carpet. Pazyryk burial mound 5, Ulagan region.

“You are the tiger burning bright” Originally carved into a wooden sarcophagus - Bashadar 2, Karakol valley,Ongudai Region; excavated by Rudenko - now held at the Hermitage museum St.Petersburg

And finally…

The horned tiger ; originally carved into a leather saddle excavated from Tuekta 1. burial mound, Ongudai Region When we as individuals strive to fulfil our soul’s purpose we become bright lights in the world. The tiger seems to epitomises the quality of that energy which is so tangible in Altai.

All these objects have been removed from Tuekta, Bashadar, Pazyryk & Ak-Alakha burial mounds situated on Altai sacred land.

The presence in Altai of all objects of ancient heritage maintains an interconnectedness between the material and subtle worlds.

These links, although not necessarily physically visible, accumulate into a powerful energy field that carries huge spiritual potential and for which the contemporary indigenous population feel responsible.

Whereas for centuries these images lay in Altai undisturbed, now they are exhibited in various museums around Russia leaving in some cases just a hole in the ground.

It is important to associate these images still with the areas in Altai where they originate.

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Firstly, this supports the interconnectedness & rich aesthetic potential in the atmosphere of those Secondly, it brings the positive response these images evoke to those people who are working so hard to protect Altai’s sacred land and cultural heritage for the future .

Thank you for your attention