Echoes of theatrical performances in Medieval Armenia on archaeological and anthropological materials of the Dvin city

Author(s):  А.S. Zhamkochyan, candidate of Sciences, Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography National Academy of Science, Yerevan, Republic of Armenia

N.G. Hakopyan, candidate of Sciences, Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography National Academy of Science, Yerevan, Republic of Armenia

А.Yu. Khudaverdyan, candidate of Sciences, Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography National Academy of Science, Yerevan, Republic of Armenia, akhudaverdyan@mail.ru

Issue:  Volume 46, № 2

Rubric:  Topical issues of world history

Annotation:  Mass representations and related laughter acts or images occupied a huge place in the life of a medieval person. In this regard, vessels and skeletons of Dvina dwarfs decorated with mascarons are of great interest. The entire composition on alabastron conveys the literary plot of a parable, sayings or riddles conceived by the master through the repertoire of the jester. In medieval festivals, mass performances of ordinary people are often entertained dwarfs in the role of jesters. They knew how to juggle with knives, rings and apples, sing, dance and play musical instruments. Among them were acrobats, trainer, people who depicted habits, animal screams and behavior. We assume that the identified skeletons of individuals could be histrions at royal, princely and ducal courtyards of Dvin. In the period of the High Middle Ages (11–13th cc.) in Dvin, the rise of trade, economic and cultural life is observed. Theatrical and areal performances, as a specific genre of art, closely related to folklore and reflecting reality, have become firmly established in urban life.

Keywords:  Armenia, Dvin, theater, alabastron, jester, faience, ceramics, mascaron, dwarfs, histrions.

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