Capital with Eagles from Laspi

Introduction. In 1978–1980, during the excavations of a 10th – 11th century’s house in Laspi, were found fragments of marl capital, which was decorated with eagle figurines. The aim of the study is reconstruction of this architectural detail and the introduction of the artifact into scientific circulation. Methods. The methodological basis of the studies is made up of a detailed description, graphic interpretation and formal-stylistic analysis of the fragments. The method of analogies is used in restoring of structural links and identifying of individual elements, which were completely or partially lost. Analysis. Among the surviving fragments all the main parts are represented. They do not fit together, but structurally and compositionally complement each other, which makes it possible to relatively reliably restore the original appearance of an architectural detail. The capital consisted of two zones and had exquisite carved decor. The relief images of the birds that supported the edges of the abacus are made with the utmost anatomical precision. The lower part of the artifact was decorated with four identical leaves of acanthus, which were made using the technique of a small tooth. Each of them was framed by an arch. Results. The capital is a unique piece of local stone sculpture of the 10th century, exact analogies of which are unknown neither in the territory of Crimea, nor over its borders. While it was making, the master could use an early Byzantine product as a sample, which was subsequently lost or has not yet been found.