Stefiuk R. Artistic woodcarving as part of the interior decoration of wooden churches in Hutsulshchyna of the 17th- beginning of the 21st centuries.

In accordance with its aim, the thesis analyses and systematizes notional and artistic features of the image of the Virgin Mary in the process of formation of ethnic identity and foundation of the ancient Ukrainian state during the 11th and 13th centuries. The research reveals the fundamental role of spiritual ideas in the formation of ancient Kyivan tradition of the Virgin Mary images. In addition, the paper presents the genesis of the Kyiv school in the context of development of Marian theme as well as specifies terminology and division into periods. Finally, it defines unique and authentic features of Old Rus icons of the Virgin Mary according to Eastern Christian traditions.In this thesis the author gives analysis of modern state of preservation and development of the interior decoration of Hutsul wooden churches. He reveals particular d?cor and semantics of the objects of artistic woodcarving of the churches of the region used during Divine Liturgy and determined their form and functional structures. The work is an in-depth study of peculiarities of art, composition and style of the objects of artistic woodcarving in the interior of Hutsul churches. Thusthe object-oriented approach gives access to their regimentation and typology in sacral field of the 17th- beginning of the 21st centuries.The author gives characteristics of sacral objects of modern masters and training methods at Kosiv Art School. He offers ways to preserve and develop folk traditions of artistic woodworking in the interior decoration of Hutsul church further on.