Introduction

The Horse As A Symbol

Apart from the snake, the horse as a symbol is probably the most powerful metaphoric creature there is. During all ages and in almost all civilizations, people attributed many different functions and virtues to the horse, sometimes religious, sometimes magical.  The animal itself evokes powerful concepts and ideas, connected to strength, dynamism, as well as spirituality and belief, way beyond its simple physical reality. These horse symbols are often similar in very different parts of the world, confirming the horse’s status as a universal icon and a bridge between cultures.

Through a careful selection of items from the Ukrainian Cultural Center’s collection, our exhibition tells seven representative stories of the horse, from its physical strength to its spiritual and mythological power while showcasing the beautiful work of artisans – both known and unknown – of the craft of toy-making, wood carving, and painting.