Round plate (otcike) late 19th-early 20th century

This round plate, known as 'otcike', presents an intriguing array of incised patterns. The composition is dominated by stylized floral motifs that evoke a sense of natural order and harmony, but also hint at a deeper symbolic language. Consider the rosette at the center, a motif that transcends cultures and epochs. From ancient Mesopotamian art to the Renaissance, the rosette symbolizes cyclical renewal and cosmic unity. It appears in Romanesque rose windows and is echoed in the Islamic geometric designs, each time reflecting a culture's unique spiritual or aesthetic values. In this plate, the rosette and other floral elements might connect to similar expressions found in other indigenous art forms, subtly shifting from a representation of the natural world to a more abstract, symbolic code. These recurring motifs resonate with a collective memory, and they engage us on a subconscious level, evoking sensations of continuity and cultural identity. The image is a testament to the non-linear, cyclical progression of symbols.