Latvian Paganism Tribute Skull, Usins

Description

This Deer skull is a tribute to the native Pagan faith of Latvia and Ūsiņš, a God of Light (more about this God below). All symbols have been engraved, painted and the entire skull sealed. On the top of the skull is the symbol of Ūsiņš. Two other significant symbols are just above the teeth on both sides. On the left is the Saule (sun) and right is the Mēness (moon) (descriptions below). The rest of the symbols are often seen on Latvian traditional dress and more. Attached also are three antique buckle parts dating to the Medieval period and were unearthed in Latvia. This would be a great addition to your altar or just as home decor.

Also known as Dzīvība (life). Ūsiņš is a deity of flowering and prosperity in Latvian mythology, symbol of light and spring, guardian and patron of horses and bees. Ūsīņš brings greenery at the start of Summer (May 9th on the Gregorian calendar), when the horses are taken out to start plowing the fields, and migrant workers and servants transplant north for work at the start of the new farm season. In arts and crafts, the sign of Ūsiņš is most commonly applied to gloves — that they would bestow success to the wearer in their travels. Since Ūsiņš is a god of light, his horses are the carriers of the Sun.

Harmony, health, corpulence. Unity, safety, light. The eternal. Returning, repeating. All-knowing, protecting. Saule is depicted wearing a woven crown of flowers, clothed in white with a gilded or silvered shawl. She travels in a carriage or sleigh drawn by two or three foals, while she crosses lakes or the sea in a boat or wading through the water. In some variants of folk song, Saule overnights or sets in the sea beyond the Daugava river. Her husband is Mēness, the moon, who during the night has a habit of deceiving Saule and her daughters, who are depicted as appearing much like Saule herself, and whose tasks mirror those of peasant women.

Cycle of life, creation or destruction, living or dying. Mēness is depicted as wearing coat and suit of stars, and a blanket of stars across his back. He is depicted in folk riddles as a shepherd whose herd is the stars. Mēness possess two foals — the morning star (Auseklis) and evening star. Mēness’s wife is the Sun. However, Mēness can also be encountered as a female: Mēnestiņa, Mēnesīte, Mēnesnīca.