Scientific relevance of the research of folk art foundation in the image and symbolism of the ornamental culture of Russia and Abkhazia

The article deals with the ornamental art of Russia and Abkhazia in the context of its theoretical and practical understanding. The authors describe the three theories of ornament's origins (biological, communicative, technological). The paper designates the aspects of the ornamental culture study - fine arts, applied art (decorative and design) and semantic. The value of art images and symbols of the ornamental culture in the works of professional artists and designers is discussed.