The Ancestral Cult of Dzhapua in the System of Abkhazian Traditional Religion

DOI: 10.33876/2311-0546/2025-1/305-322

Authors

  • Valeri Biguaa Institute of Humanities Research, Academy of Sciences of Abkhazia, Abkhaz State University

Keywords:

Abkhazian traditional religion, clan, clan cult, clan organization, rite, ritual, prayer, sacrifice, ritual dance

Abstract

Based on the author's field materials, the paper studies one of the many clan (family) prayers that function as an institution of the Abkhazian traditional religion, from the perspective of its archaic roots and the modern state. It provides a detailed description of the ritual practice and the interpretation of its main elements. A complex study of the cult allowed the author to clarify its origin, to determine its functional purpose, and to attempt to suggest the etymology of its name.

Author Biography

  • Valeri Biguaa, Institute of Humanities Research, Academy of Sciences of Abkhazia, Abkhaz State University

    Biguaa, Valeri L. — Dr. of History, Leading Researcher, Institute of Humanities Research, Academy of Sciences of Abkhazia, Professor, Abkhaz State University (Sukhum, Republic of Abkhazia). E-mail: valera.biguaa@yandex.com

    For citation: Biguaa, V. L. 2025. The Ancestral Cult of Dzhapua in the System of Abkhazian Traditional Religion. Herald of Anthropology (Vestnik Antropologii). 1: 305–322.

    References
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Published

15.03.2025

Issue

No. 1 (2025): Вестник антропологии

Section

Anthropology of Religion