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Kriv

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Description

The Latvian Kriv (Krīvs) can be seen much kind of a priest. He is the preserver of knowledge and acts as a connection between his people and the world beyond. He is the protector of the just and was very respected by his people. 

I'd like to mention that in the mind of an ancient Latvian dead spirits (unless they have died in unnatural circumstances) are friendly to the living and are honored. 

Kriv knows and uses the Latvian signs so I've depicted him as an enchanter. Here behind him is the sign of God (Dievs, sometimes called the "White father" which is not same the Christian god) which is mostly a simple triangle facing up, but an be decorated. It also depicts the Kriv as a communicator between worlds since Dievs comes from the sky, while the underworld is, well, under. 
The signs on the sword are the same triangles of Dievs + a more earthly element - the waters of Māra, frankly here I was more going for what looks good, more appropriate would have been the mood or a firecross probably.
I didn't give him a staff because I wanted to avoid the usual cliche (yeah, tall fellow in white with a beard, no cliche at all) also I believe that since Latvians weren't the calmest people back then, every man was able to wield a sword.
I've looked up numerous examples of ancient Latvian clothing for this, but there is also a lot of in from me. Well, the jewelry should be accurate and the belt. I've given him white clothing because it seemed most appropriate - spiritual and the color of Dievs as well. I've made the hair white too, to emphasize his knowledge, though actually he is quite young.
The sleeve with laces comes from the general medieval clothing, also the boots, I'm sure the Latvian boots weren't quite so pointed.
I had a bit of a struggle with the front of the dress (?) - the garment had to be long, but I also wanted him to be able to run around in a wood comfortable so I've done this asymmetrical cut in the front.
Image size
2176x4688px 4.94 MB
Make
Canon
Model
Canon PowerShot SX50 HS
Shutter Speed
1/30 second
Aperture
F/4.0
Focal Length
4 mm
ISO Speed
80
Date Taken
Mar 18, 2015, 8:51:27 AM
Sensor Size
3mm
© 2015 - 2024 Dysharmonnia
Comments2
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LadyTrolls-lair's avatar
Really like the idea about the asymmetrical dress(?) thing. I am in a never ending state of confusion about people giving their characters those long robe-dress things that cover everything and then sort of just plop down on the ground in front of them. Like, even the women didn't have THAT long dresses to cover all of their feet ( unless it's one of those huge frame-things that could keep the fabric from getting under one's feet ), so way to go, giving the mage/wizard/wise man/whatever the chance to trip and fall on their face on every step :laughing:

Damn, I need to refresh my knowledge on these kind of things. I used to be able to name so many ancient signs, but now I'm a rusty shit who only knows the swastika and the Jumis :'D