The bird figure is one of the oldest and most meaningful symbols in human history. This motif, enriched by Ottoman art and spanning a wide spectrum from ancient Greek mythology to Seljuk tiles, has become a symbol of intelligence, sanctity, and aesthetics in diverse cultures. In this article, we will explore the journey of bird figures in decorative arts and examine why they hold such a prominent place in works of art.
Symbolic Meanings of Bird Figures in Ancient Times
The bird figure has been a frequently used animal motif in decorative arts since ancient times. In antiquity, bird figures were sometimes depicted as observed in nature and sometimes as allegorical symbols. The dove, which accompanied Aphrodite, the goddess of love, in the ancient Greek and Roman worlds; the owl, known for its night vision and symbol of Athena; the peacock, sacred animal of Hera; and the eagle carrying Zeus's scepter are among the most prominent examples of this iconographic richness.
Bird Figures in Different Cultures and Beliefs
The bird figure has become a universal symbol, carrying diverse meanings across different cultures and beliefs. Considered symbols of intelligence, wisdom, and the divine, birds have also been viewed as protective beings. Reflecting the cultural heritage of Central Asia in Islamic and Turkish art, bird figures were used as amulets and talismans, while birds of prey symbolized the power of rulers and lords. Birds, also depicted as guardians of the tree of life, accompanied shamans on their journeys into the heavens, providing them with spiritual guidance.
Cultural and Symbolic Values of Bird Figures in the Seljuk Period
Bird figures were frequently used in Seljuk tiles and were considered protective and auspicious elements. Dove and peacock motifs, in particular, were chosen to reflect the spiritual atmosphere and aesthetic beauty of a space. These figures, depicted alongside tree of life motifs, symbolized ascension to heaven and a connection with the divine. In Seljuk art, the birds surrounding the tree of life symbolize the cycle of life and eternity, while also emphasizing the connection between humanity and the divine. This symbolism aimed to imbue the space with both aesthetic beauty and sacred meaning.
Religious and Symbolic Meanings of Bird Figures
The peacock has been considered a symbol of eternal life and heaven in Christianity due to the belief that its flesh does not decay after death and because the spots on its feathers symbolize God's all-seeing eyes. Non-predatory birds have generally been representatives of goodness, peace, and the spirit. While the dove symbolizes the "holy spirit" in Christianity, Noah's dove represents the soul released by death. Images of birds pecking grapes symbolize the soul's experience of immortality.
The Aesthetic and Spiritual Place of Bird Figures in Ottoman Art
In Ottoman art, bird figures, in addition to their symbolic meanings, carried a striking aesthetic value with their colorful feathers. It was believed that these figures transformed the space they were in into a garden of paradise, and therefore, while animal figures were rare in Ottoman art, birds were frequently featured. Bird figures, often placed beside the fountain of the water of life or as part of various decorative elements, added aesthetic value to works. The tile panel, a heritage from Iznik , is a rare work that can bring this aesthetic to your home. It is an ideal choice for those seeking to create both a historical and artistic atmosphere.
Artistic and Decorative Use of Bird Figures Today
Bird figures have appeared as important decorative elements imbued with aesthetic, protective, and divine meanings throughout various periods and cultures throughout history. This rich heritage, stretching from ancient times to the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, is also evident in contemporary art and decoration. Today, these elegant and symbolic figures continue to live on in art and decorative designs. If you'd like to bring this aesthetic to your home, you can find all our designs featuring bird figures here . These special designs allow you to create an atmosphere that is both historical and artistic.
