ABSTRACT
The present study is aimed at analyzing the images of man in the folk art of Maramureş, as they are present in various forms and aspects, and have survived as such over the centuries.
The first part of the research describes the synecdochical representations of the human silhouette as identified in the folk art of Maramureş.
These synecdochical representations forms are varied and numerous – this is the case of the nail, the palm with separated fingers, the heart – and are achieved in various techniques: incision, fretwork, cutting, trimming and carving.
Among the synecdochical representations of the human silhouette, the focus also falls on the head and the variations hereof, as well as on the bust. The analysis also took into consideration the frequent mascarons that can be found as decorative elements on the Maramuresan gates.
The last part of the research is concerned with the representation of the whole human silhouette in the folk art of the study area. Among this latter type of representations, mention should be made of the image of the rider, especially the Danubian rider, whose value is unique, being endowed with a special symbolic force.
In carrying out the present study, the author used the available specialized bibliography, and analyzed with its help the mythical meanings and functions of the investigated representations, as well as of their composing elements.