The National Reserve “Saint Sophia of Kyiv" has presented an exclusive 12th-century Easter egg. The artifact, which had been stored, reveals new aspects of the culture of Kyivan Rus–Ukraine.
The artifact has an unusual feature — it is a so-called “rattle pysanka".
It is made of pink clay, engobe, and glaze using a complex technique of shaping, firing, and glazing. Inside the object is a small element — a clay ball or stone — that produces a characteristic sound when moved.
Clay eggs that “sound” are known from ancient times and are considered among the oldest protective amulets. It is believed that their sound was intended to ward off evil spirits, giving the object a sacred meaning.
Artifact from Crimean burial site reshapes views of Rus culture
The pysanka was discovered during archaeological excavations in Sudak between 1966 and 1972 under the leadership of Mykhailo Frondzhol. According to chief curator Iryna Kupriiets, such finds are extremely rare, and the objects were likely produced in Kyiv Oblast.
Its small size — approximately 3–3.5 by 5 cm — suggests that the pysanka may have been used not only as a ritual object but also as a child’s rattle toy.
Religious holidays in Ukraine have always been colorful and deeply rooted in tradition. Customs and rituals vary by region, but the essence of these festive days has always been respected.
Soviet Russian authorities banned all Easter celebrations, launching a “relentless struggle against reactionary church traditions and the religious dependence of peasants in everyday life.”
However, many devout believers continued to attend church in secret.
