Pliska Rosette

This bronze symbol represents the Bulgar deity, Tangra, and was made sometime between the 8th-9th centuries AD. The symbol was found at the ancient Bulgar capital, Pliska, in 1961 and is depicted in many places that are sacred. The rosette is a representation of the Sun and the outlying rays each represent a different celestial body. At the center on the back of the bronze rosette is the inscription, "IYI", which translates to 'The Heavens', 'The Sun', or 'The Skies' (P. Dobrev) (V.Beshevliev). Others (V. Beshevliev) believe that the Pliska Rosette is merely a depiction of the future, or a way to interpret the future through being a type of horoscope (a dating system). What is certain is that the number of rays found on the Pliska Rosette equals the number of celestial bodies (or retrograde stars) which the Bulgars considered holy; the Sun, The Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn. Furthermore, Tangra, is the lord of heavens as well as having domain over fire and lightning, so it makes sense that Bulgars involved his essence with this symbol. The "IYI" inscription is facing the same direction as the ray which represents the Sun, "SHAR" (the most important of the rays and most revered by the Bulgars).

all images © The Hermitage Museum, St.Petersburg, Russia; http://www.hermitagemuseum.org/