Yevhen Prychepii
Institute for Cultural Research, National Academy of Arts of Ukraine, Kyiv
ORCID ID 0000-0002-5363-1004
DOI:
Keywords: eight-element structure, eight phases of the Moon, seven-element structure, full moon, transitional moon, Trypillia–Cucuteni ornaments.
Abstract.
This paper substantiates the validity of applying the structural method to the study of Trypillian ornaments. An eight-element structure, A′BA″BA′BA″B, is identified. It is proposed that this structure symbolizes the eight phases of the Moon, represented by four goddesses (A) and four gods (B). A seven-element structure is also identified. It is demonstrated that this structure emerged from the eight-element structure through the merging of the female phases—the full moon (Phase 4) and the transitional moon (Phase 8). Three types of seven-element structures are examined. Since the eight- and seven-element structures are the most widespread, it is concluded that lunar symbolism constitutes the dominant theme in Trypillia–Cucuteni ornaments. The findings suggest that identifying and analyzing structural patterns may provide a key to understanding the semantics of Trypillia–Cucuteni ornamentation.
Yevhen Prychepii, Doctor of Philosophical Sciences, Professor, Institute for Cultural Research,National Academy of Arts of Ukraine, Kyiv
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PDF (in Ukrainian)
The article was received by the editorial office on 04.04.2026.
The article was accepted for publication after review on 05.05.2026.
The article was published on 30.06.2026.
Vol 29 No 1 (2026)
Section: MUSEOLOGY AND PROTECTION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE.