Bird images have long been a significant part of Armenian historical artistic culture. From pottery and sacred writings to the numerous flags of Armenian dynasties, bird motifs are ubiquitous in ancient Armenia. This article delves into an archaeological study of ancient birds in Armenia, highlighting their prominence in Armenian art and culture.
The Popularity of Bird Images in Armenian Art
Bird images are the most popular theme in Armenian art. Bowls and jugs from the 11th-13th centuries BC feature images of eagles, storks, doves, peacocks, wild ducks, and other bird species. Despite their stylistic form, these images are brief in their expression and are believed to serve as prototypes for the bronze figurines of waterfowl characteristic of the Late Bronze Age.
The Lchashen Settlement and Faunal Diversity
For thousands of years, the figurines of the Lchashen settlement have preserved their faunal diversity. However, direct or indirect human impact poses a threat to many bird species that need urgent attention. Birds are truly wonderful creatures, admired for their ability to fly, rare beauty, and the rich coloring of their plumage. Evidence of this admiration can be found in the drawings of birds on rocks, painted pottery, bronze belts, stamps, coins, and mosaic art.
Archaeological Evidence and Analysis
The identification of the diversity of bird species and evidence of how people specifically used birds in the prehistoric past are possible only from archaeological remains. Among the early references devoted primarily to the analysis of bird remains, the work of DAL (1952), based on archaeological materials from one-year excavations in the medieval city of Dvin, is especially important.
Various archaeological publications report numerous bird figures originating from rock paintings in the mountains of Gegham, Syunik, and Vardenis, as well as other extensive ridges in prehistoric sediments, temples, decorative-cultural or ritual-totemic ceramics, bronze ceramics, and other objects from archaeological excavations.
Vishaps: Prehistoric Stone Sculptures
Many hundreds of years ago, before the rise of Christian Armenia, the prehistoric (Middle Bronze Age, 19-15 BC) people who inhabited this area worshiped stone sculptures commonly known as vishaps. These vishaps are huge steles, 5.06 meters high and 0.6 meters wide, fish-shaped or rectangular monuments with carved images of birds resembling cranes, along with designs of bull or sheep heads and skins.
Bird images in Armenian art are a testament to the enduring fascination and reverence for these creatures. Their presence in various forms of art and archaeological remains highlights their significance in Armenian culture and history.
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