YZYH TӦS’ES – ‘sacred fetishes’ in the cult practices of the Khakases (end of XIX – mid XX century)

Abstract

The aim is to study patron spirits at Khakases in that its material manifesta- tion Yzyh Tös’es fetishes.  To achieve this goal, the following tasks: determination of their sacred significance and the role of ideology and ritual practices of the people, the analysis of their external characteristics and classification by type and detection their variations the symbolic execution and consideration of ways to ritual interact with this sacred object.

The chronological scope of work covers the end of the XIX – mid XX centuries. Selection temporal boundaries are caused primarily by the status of the database sources on the research topic. The main sources are archival and ethnographic materials. The work is based on comprehensive, system- historical approach to the study of the past. The research methodology is based on historical and ethnographic methods – scientific description, the specific historical and relic.

Tös’es cult – this is a phenomenon that has arisen and existed in a traditional environment, where the shape of the relationship between the world, visible (rational) and invisible (irrational) is characterized by the absence of rigid insurmountable boundaries. Moreover, in the religious- mythological consciousness of the people the idea of a red line runs direct intersection of these worlds, and as result of their constant interaction with each other. Recurring violation of these relations, in the opinion of the faithful led to an imbalance in nature and human life. For the latter, this is turning into a variety of disasters and calamities.

Ritual practices of traditional society in this case was focused on the restoration of the balance sheet and as a consequence, the resolution of contradictions arising between the worlds and the protection of the vital interests of the people. A huge role in this process was assigned to the ministers of worship, including shamans, as well as directly – tös’es. Yzyh tös’es were surrounded by an aura of sacredness and enjoyed special respect. In the traditional consciousness, they were perceive as a powerful patron’s spirits. This fact contributed to their general symbolization and fetishization. Several types and variants of the symbolic images of the deities were represent in religious trappings of the people. Sacral function tös’es were extensive. They are endowed apotropeynymi, healing and protection properties. The ratio of these special rituals, sacrifices expressed in periodic mandatory utterance of prayer requests and initiation of animal Yzyh. Herewith, implementation ritual was strictly regulated and included: special requirements for the performers, special requirements for executing the sequence of actions and the need for special food composition.