Zoomorphic representations on toreutics of the Tien-Shan in middle ages

Purpose. The author classifies zoomorphic representations on the belt and horse harness’ details and adornments, such as belt tips, buckles and plaques, according to the groups of animal species and analyzes ranking of zoomorphic representations in the decorative-applied art of the Tien-Shan peoples. The objects of toreutics analyzed originated from Besh-Tash-Koroo II, Boz-Beshik, Krasnaya Rechka sites and include some incidental findings in Kochkor and Chu valleys of Kyrgyzstan. These artifacts are frequently found by archaeologists who study medieval burial and settlement complexes of the Tien-Shan region. This category of archaeological materials and representations on these objects are considered to be an important source of material and spiritual culture of the nomadic and sedentary peoples of the region, which explains the importance of this research. Results. The objects with zoomorphic representations found have been subdivided into the following groups according to animal species: feline, ungulate, wolves and fish. We attempted to identify the species of animals, the results show that a wide range of animals was used in the metal art of the medieval Tien-Shan. Specific character of representation, the plot and composition on the belt and horse harness garnitures have been studied. We had at our disposal realistic and schematic representations, whole and partial figures, different number of characters (one, two or bigger compositions) with the combination of floral ornament. The article presents different authors’ points of view on the most interesting images, such as a lion with wings, panther with «scarf», kneeling animals and a pair of fish. They can help to trace connections among sedentary civilizations in medieval Sogd, China, Iran and nomadic cultures of Southern Siberia and Central Asia. We analyzed the form of our objects, the material, and the technique of producing and embellishing them. We fix a variety of forms used. Belt tips are generally four-cornered, with a sharp edge on the one side and an ornately shaped edge on the other side. Plaques also have different forms, with right and scalloped edges. We found only one unharmed buckle with an oval frame while the rest remains of buckles are missing details. Most of objects are made of bronze, sometimes gilding bronze, and in some cases the objects are made of silver. The techniques used include casting, fullering, coining and engraving. Conclusion. A wide range of animal species, variability of plots and meanings contribute to our understanding of the animals’ role in the world view and identification of the relation vectors of medieval Tien-Shan peoples. Local variants of combining zoomorphic and floral motifs testify that the region was involved into the early medieval Eurasian style of «steppe ornamentalism» determined by G. A. Fedorov-Davydov. Some authors distinguish reminiscences of Skythian-Saka «animal style» in these objects. Further investigation is necessary to determine the genesis of the medieval «animal style» on the territory of Tien-Shan.