Decoration from the house snake cult belief system, as evidenced in Kosovan vernacular architecture

Abstract

This study investigates symbolic decoration arising from the house snake cult belief system, as evidenced in Kosovo’s vernacular (popular) architecture. This snake cult certainly has its place among the most unusual and important cults within the survival of the belief system surrounding the protecting house gods in Albanian popular belief.

Among the issues raised in this study, it is posited from the very beginning that because of their character and their symbolism, the decoration arising from the snake cult has always been applied in the most exposed places or elements of composition since its use had a magic function of protection and bringing good luck. Furthermore, the use of this ornamentation, particularly in the artistic form of bas-relief, is notable for a compositional structure which is in organic harmony with the architectonic and structural aesthetic concept of vernacular building, or its structural elements.

To give as full a picture and as much evidence as possible of the use of decoration from the earth cult of the snake either as abstract geometric interpretation of it as a symbol, or as a realistic artistic interpretation, there is analysis of a fair number and range of Albanian ethnographic sites where this decoration is to be found.

From the beginning of this study, it is shown that the snake cult is a part of the complex ethno-cultural heritage of our people. Taking a diachronic view, this cult has an uninterrupted history through the arc of time from the Illyrians to the Albanians of our own time.