Sergeant on Lenin Square likened to "dust collectors from the Underworld" by Obein
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In the heart of Yakutsk, the capital of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) in Russia, a new addition to Lenin Square has drawn the attention of scholars and locals alike. The fifth column in the form of a sarga, a traditional Yakut architectural element, has been installed, sparking discussions about its symbolic connections to Yakut mythology.
Vitaliy Obedin, a renowned scholar of Yakut mythology, has been vocal about the symbolic significance of these modern structures. He believes that some of the metal sculptures and architectural elements present on Lenin Square may be embodying traditional themes from Yakut cosmology, particularly those related to the Underworld.
Yakut Mythology and the Underworld
Yakut mythology is rich in cosmology, with a three-tiered universe consisting of the Upper World (heavens), the Middle World (earth), and the Lower World (underworld). The Underworld, often portrayed as a domain of spirits, ancestors, and sometimes malevolent supernatural forces, plays an important role in Yakut spiritual beliefs, being linked to death and the afterlife.
Metal Structures on Lenin Square
Obedin interprets these metal structures as symbolic representations of the Underworld motif in Yakut mythology. The use of metal, particularly iron, is significant, as it holds mythological and ritual associations with protection, passage between worlds, or even imprisonment of spirits in various indigenous Siberian traditions.
Symbolic Connection
According to Obedin, these installations could be seen as modern-day reflections or embodiments of traditional themes from Yakut cosmology. They potentially act as symbolic gateways, markers, or reminders of the Underworld and its presence within the cultural memory of the Yakut people.
Cultural and Historical Context
Obedin's views highlight a blending or coexistence of Yakut identity with Soviet-era urban development. The contrast between Soviet symbolism (like Lenin Square) and indigenous mythological themes demonstrates the layered cultural history of Yakutsk. His commentary invites reflection on how indigenous mythology continues to resonate in contemporary Yakut society and public art.
The reconstruction of Lenin Square in Yakutsk is ongoing, and the sarga columns, with their lighting that works both on weekdays and holidays with different degrees of intensity, add a unique, symbolic touch to the cityscape. The facade of the horse shoes, clad with elements of impact-resistant glass and panels of stainless steel with artistic decoration, further enhances the visual appeal of these structures.
As the sarga columns stand tall on Lenin Square, they serve as a testament to the enduring presence of Yakut mythology in the heart of the city, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity.
- The sarga columns on Lenin Square in Yakutsk, symbolizing the Underworld in Yakut mythology, represent a profound fusion of traditional themes with contemporary design, bridging the gap between Yakutia's indigenous past and modern lifestyle.
- Engaging in discussions about the symbolic connections between the fashion-and-beauty of Lenin Square's modern architecture and the home-and-garden of Yakut mythology offers an intriguing exploration of the blended cultural history and lifestyle in Yakutsk.
