POLOTSK, 15 August (BelTA) – The well preserved wooden sculpture of a pagan deity was found at the bottom of the Drissa River in Rossony District, Vitebsk Oblast. This is the first such discovery in Eastern Europe, BelTA learned from Denis Duk, head of the native and universal history department of the Polotsk State University.
The unique sculpture was found by divers. At first no one believed that it could be a priceless archeological artifact. Only after divers had made photos and archeologists had examined the wooden sculpture they decided to raise it from the bottom of the river. The oak sculpture weighs about 200kg, its height is 122cm, and the width in the bottom basis is more than 1 meter. According to Denis Duk, the sculpture’s eye-sockets, mouth and chin are accurately visible.
According to preliminary data, the sculpture dates back to the 12th century. The idol might represent Perun or Veles. The curiosity was found near villages of Krasnopolye and Amosenki. Scientists have already discovered remains of ancient settlements and burial mounds in the region. According to Denis Duk, during the Christianization of this region people tried to burn the idol, however, they did not wait until the sculpture was burned down and threw it into the water. Thus the idol is well preserved now.
After the sculpture had been raised from water it was sent for examination to the NASB Institute of History. After restoration and preservation the artifact will take a place of honor in the institute exposition.
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