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Review article

Bilikum – Mysterious Jug Prolegomenon to the Problem of Three-Part Pots for Giving Toasts of Welcome

Ivan Šestan ; Ethnographic Museum, Zagreb, Croatia


Full text: croatian pdf 631 Kb

page 201-210

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Full text: english pdf 132 Kb

page 211-220

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Abstract

The article provides a systematic overview of the questions on
the shape and symbolism of a three-part pot - bilikum, which
was used in Northwestern Croatia and Northeastern Slovenia
as a pot from which wine was drunk in honor of the guests who
were visiting a house for the first time. Even though any pot
suitable for wine drinking could be used, only three-part bilikum
was used only for that purpose. That fact gives bilikum
the character of a ritual pot, and logically raises questions on its
possible link with the similar Bronze and Iron Age pots. Besides
the symbolism of number three, which comes from its shape, the
mystery surrounding the pot is enhanced by the legend of three
brothers – Čeh, Leh and Meh, which is connected to it.

Keywords

bilikum; pots; giving toasts; symbolism of pot; ritual pot

Hrčak ID:

44183

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/44183

Publication date:

9.12.2009.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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