Representations of hybrid creatures and contemporary practices

This thesis conducts a thorough examination of the evolution of hybrid creature representations observed across various cultures and periods. These creatures, a fusion of real and fantastical elements comprising assorted animal characteristics, create a rich metaphorical domain encompassing both reality and the processes of artistic creation. The study explores how these hybrid creatures have been portrayed in various forms as mysterious heroes, rituals, and beliefs throughout history. It investigates the varying expressions these representations have taken on in different cultures and epochs. These representations reflect human relationships with nature and 'the other', simultaneously forming a bridge between the internal and external worlds, and addressing fundamental inner emotions. Creature representations are displayed in a wide spectrum, ranging from cave wall paintings to figurines, from ritual masks to mythological narratives, indicating that the changes in these representations are linked to human relations with 'the other' and nature. The research within this thesis aims to aid in understanding the role of hybrid creatures in human thought. It reveals the enduring impact and continued relevance of the roles and functions of these creatures in narrative and visual representations over time. Furthermore, the study explores how contemporary reinterpretations of hybrid creature representations are reshaping within the modern world's inner dynamics and contributing new meanings to societal perceptions. Keywords: hybrid, animals, creatures, monsters, Paleolithic, medieval, ancient, cave paint, symbolism, self portrait.