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Исторически преглед
Издание на Института за исторически изследвания при БАН
Tombstones with Relief Scenes of Ploughing from Southeast Bulgaria
Надгробни паметници с релефни сцени на тема оране от Югоизточна България
Исторически преглед, 81 (2025) No. 1, pp. 165-180 (ISSN 0323-9748)
DOI:
Lyubomir Mikov / Любомир Миков
National Academy of Art – Sofia
Abstract: This paper examines a group of preserved tombstones from the Strandzha-Sakar region in southeastern Bulgaria, covering areas such as Burgas, Yambol, Haskovo, Elhovo, Ivaylovgrad, and Svilengrad. These tombstones are adorned with relief images depicting two oxen harnessed to a plough, with some also including the figure of a ploughman. The earliest example dates back to 1775, and the latest to 1896. Such imagery is unique to this region and is not found elsewhere in the country. The depictions suggest that these tombstones were erected for deceased farmers, serving as a testament to their agrarian livelihood. Furthermore, the monuments highlight ploughing as both an emblem and a symbol of agriculture.
Keywords: tombstones, relief images, ploughing, Southeast Bulgaria.
The fulltext of this article can be purchased on CEEOL: https://www.ceeol.com/search/journal-detail?id=242.