Such animals as two peacocks – symbols of the sacred fire in Zoroastrianism, two peacocks and a conical figure with a ball between them, stylized images of ducks (symbol of water) and heart-shaped figures are depicted in bas-relief on some of the preserved hotbeds in the Museum collection.
Tree-shaped convex reliefs, columns and a crescent with stars are applied on three hearths. A small hearth with a convex cross-shaped ornament in circle is noteworthy. Information about the connection between “Samarkand hearths” and Zoroastrian practice can be found in the article by G. A. Pugachenkova and L. I. Rempel.
It should be noted that fire and water played an important role in the Zoroastrian rites. The two elements were perceived as divine power. Offerings to fire and water were the basis of daily worship. Placement of fire on a stand like altar was extremely important for the first Achaemenids as asseveration of their devotion to the Zoroastrian faith. At the same time, Zoroastrians believed that plant and blood sacrifices to fire protect them from all evil and contribute to abundance.
You can learn more about this topic in the book-album “The Collection of the State Museum of the History of Religion” (Volume XII) from the series “Cultural legacy of Uzbekistan in the world collections”.
The general sponsor of the project is the oilfield services company Eriell-Group.
