The bronze bear man figurine is a tribal fetish. It depicts the ancestor, protector of the people belonging to the Bear clan. The fetish was used as an amulet and also during the Bear festivities and rites. The bear is depicted in a very expressive natural posture of a beast, meaning protection, threat or deterrence. In this way a bear protects its cubs. The anthropomorphic image on the beast's breast indicates that this is a bear-man. On his body are two anthropomorphic images of his parents: his old father in the guise of a bear-man and his old mother depicted as a woman.
Title:
Bear
Place:
Date:
Place of finding:
Material:
Technique:
cast
Dimensions:
9,1х3,7 cm
Acquisition date:
Entered the Hermitage in 1925; transferred from Stroganov's house
Inventory Number:
563-7
Category:
