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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal – Vol. 11, No. 9

Publication Date: September 25, 2024

DOI:10.14738/assrj.119.17610.

Zavalii, O. (2024). Comparative Analysis of the "H"-shaped Symbol from Göbekli Tepe and the Ritual "Binocular-shaped" Ceramics

of the Trypillia Culture in Light of Ancient Farmers' Cosmological Beliefs. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 11(9). 149-

162.

Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom

Comparative Analysis of the "H"-shaped Symbol from Göbekli

Tepe and the Ritual "Binocular-shaped" Ceramics of the Trypillia

Culture in Light of Ancient Farmers' Cosmological Beliefs

Oleksandr Zavalii

Department of Religious Studies of H. S. Scovoroda

Philosophy Institute of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine

ABSTRACT

This article is dedicated to a comprehensive analysis and interpretation of the

sacred "H"-shaped symbolism, which originates from the ancient temple complex

of hunter-gatherers and early farmers of the Near East – Göbekli Tepe. The research

identifies and analyzes a similar symbol found in the religious complex of ancient

farmers in the territory of modern Ukraine, specifically in the Trypillia culture and

its ceramic artifacts known as "Trypillia binoculars." A comparative analysis of

these symbols is conducted within the context of the cosmological beliefs of early

farming societies in Asia and Europe. Special attention is given to interpreting this

symbolism as a reflection of complex religious and philosophical concepts related

to the cyclicality of nature, the movement of celestial bodies, and the unity of heaven

and earth. The research examines the architectural features of Göbekli Tepe,

particularly the arrangement of the T-shaped columns, and their potential

astronomical purpose. The author hypothesizes a connection between the physical

structure of the temple complex, its T-shaped columns, and the formation of

abstract "H"-type symbols. Parallels are drawn between the symbolism of Göbekli

Tepe and the ritual artifacts of the Trypillia culture, allowing the hypothesis of

shared cosmological concepts between various early farming cultures, despite

significant geographical and temporal distances. This article offers a new

perspective on the development of religious thought in ancient societies,

highlighting the depth and complexity of their spiritual ideas. The findings

contribute to a better understanding of the cultural connections and exchange of

ideas between ancient civilizations of the Near East and Europe.

Keywords: Göbekli Tepe, Trypillia culture, trypillia «binocular», prehistoric religion,

prehistoric symbols.

INTRODUCTION

In the world of ancient symbols, separated by thousands of kilometers and millennia, certain

parallels emerge that compel us to rethink our understanding of cultural development. The "H"

symbol from Go bekli Tepe and the Trypillia "binocular" symbol are prime examples of sacred

sign systems whose similarities challenge our notions of isolated evolution in early agricultural

societies. In this study, we will conduct a detailed comparative analysis of these two symbols

from different parts of the world, exploring their possible common origins or parallel

development within the context of the cosmological beliefs of ancient communities.