Crafts in the Middle Ages (based on Azerbaijani heroic epics)

Abstract

Abstract.  The article is devoted to the issues of craftsmanship, which are included in the heroic epics of Azerbaijan (Dede-Gorgud, Koroghlu, Gachag Nabi), in a word, find their own description. Here, attention is mainly paid to the ethnographic description and analysis of such professional and artistic fields as blacksmithing, coppersmithing, jewelry, silk weaving, carpet weaving, felting, pottery, stoneworking, woodworking, saddlery, etc. The author of the article notes that the emergence of the mentioned professional and artistic fields in the region is not accidental. This was, first of all, due to the richness of natural raw materials of Azerbaijan, as well as the presence of people of the region with many years of experience, empirical knowledge and skills. The article emphasizes that the increase in the role of the horse in everyday life and in war, especially in connection with the emergence of cavalry types, the production of saddles with a saddle and other accessories required the labor of a skilled craftsman with production skills. It is precisely in order to meet such needs that the profession of saddlery was formed.