ABKHAZIAN CLAN CULT: ADLEIBOVY’S PRAY

DOI: 10.33876/2311-0546/2021-3/228-243

Authors

  • Biguaa, V.L. D.I. Gulia Abkhazian Institute of Humanities of the Abkhazian Academy of Sciences

Keywords:

traditional religion, clan, cult, pray, prayer, ceremony, ritual, sacrificial animal, sacred cow

Abstract

Based on an ethnographic field study carried out by the author in various regions of Abkhazia, the article examines one of the many clan cults of the Abkhazians– Antsvakhatsara (Ancºaxaҫara)– which is an important institution of traditional religion. It still exists in the modern spiritual life of the worshipers, although in a somewhat simplified form. Christianity, the dominant confession in the country adopted as an official religion at the beginning of the early Middle Ages, does not preclude the autochthonous ritual culture. The article aims to identify the historical roots of the cult, describe its ritual practice in detail and interpret the main ritual actions.

For Citation: Biguaa, V.L. 2021. Abkhazian Clan Cult: Adleibovy’s Pray. Herald of Anthрropology (Vestnik Antropologii) 3: 228–243

Author Biography

  • Biguaa, V.L., D.I. Gulia Abkhazian Institute of Humanities of the Abkhazian Academy of Sciences
    • Doctor of History,
    • leading researcher

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Published

01.10.2021

Issue

№ 3-2021

Section

Cults and Beliefs