The exposition of the signet rings of Cossack ‘starshyna’ (military and administrative leading body) will open in the Bogdan and Varvara Khanenko Museum of Art (15-17, Tereshchenkivska Str.) on April 21. It is the part of the “The warrior’s way – one for two” project . The presentation starts at 6 p.m. The entrance is free.
Everyone who is interested in the Cossack antiquities is invited to the presentation of the collection of signet rings belonging to Cossack ‘starshyna’, which are the historical relics from the Feldman Family Museum collection. It is impossible to imagine Ukrainian hetman or a representative of high rank Cossack ‘starshyna’ without a signet ring. These objects were heritable, because they demonstrated noble origin and wealth of its owner, as well as his special place in the society. However, a signet ring attached to the seal to important documents was not only an object demonstrating a status. It had a sacral meaning for the owner and his surroundings.
Signet rings like those, which will be represented in the Museum, may be seen on the portrait dating to Ukrainian baroque. But now, we are able to see them personally, to examine the details of engravings, owner’s initials, and lines of ornamental patterns.
The demonstrated Cossack rings of the 16th to early 18th century will include the seal ones. They feature family crest of the owner. The exposition will also include the signet ring connected with naval campaigns of the Zaporozhian Sich warriors. The special story will be “told” by a signet ring featuring the marks from sabre stabs. They are the echo of the Cossack fame, the memory of people who fought for Ukraine.
