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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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.