⁉ Who is "Azjapa"? The picture shows Azjapa, also known as Akhashu, a traditional figure of the Adyghe (Circassian) culture, recognized by his characteristic felt mask with horns and a beard. The name "azhegafe" has Adyghe roots, coming from the words "azhe" (goat) and "cafe" (dance). Therefore, its literal meaning is "dancing goat" or "goat dance". Sometimes the Western Circassians called him "pchen zhak1e", which means "bearded goat". Role and functions in Azgafa society embodied fertility. His activities included:
Dance movements and expressive facial expressions.
Imitation of sounds of birds, wild animals and domestic animals.
Sometimes he also sang, performed acrobatics and walked a tightrope. The central point of Azjapa's performances was the stage of "Death and Resurrection": this episode reflected the ancient ideas of the Circassians about the cyclic nature of nature, symbolizing the departure of winter and the arrival of spring.
Azhegafe was an integral part of agricultural rituals, participating in holidays marking the beginning and end of plowing, as well as in rituals aimed at appeasing the water goddess Psykhoguasche. Vestnik Caucasus.