L. A. Molchanova. “Wood” symbolism in the decoration of the Udmurt costume: origins, existence, meaning

Introduction. The article analyzes the semantics of the tree-like figures of the traditional female costume. The purpose of the work is to determine the origins of this image in the Udmurt ornamentation.
Materials and Methods. The work uses the method of structural-semiotic analysis, allowing to consider costume ornament as a sign-symbolic system.
Results and Discussion. The two prototypes that arose back in the period of the formation of human mentality: a woman and a totemic beast, formed the basis of the mythopoetic symbol of the world tree. Complex of Udmurt vorshud concentrated and preserved the echoes of the most ancient cult of a female – progenitor, endowed with a totem name. Each Udmurt clan had its own vorshud name. This name was associated with a natural totem, belonged to women of the clan, and passed down from generation to generation through the female line. A vorshud name was given to the ancestral territory, and its sacred center – vorshud in the sanctuary of kua. Vorshud demonstrates two key ideas of the world tree: connection and continuity of generations and the center of ancestral territory.
Conclusion. During the study, the connection between the tree symbols of the costume ornament with the cult of Udmurt vorshud and the symbolism of the world tree was revealed. Therefore, it reveals the origins and semantics of wooden symbols in the Udmurt costume ornament.

Keywords: costume ornament, mother totem, vorshud, family tree, world tree

For citation: Molchanova LA. “Wood” symbolism in the decoration of the Udmurt costume: origins, existence, meaning. Finno-ugorskii mir = Finno-Ugric World. 2022;14;2:207–222. (In Russ.). DOI: 10.15507/2076-2577.014.2022.02.207-222.