COLOUR SYMBOLICS IN THE ADYGHE EPIC
The article examines the relationship between aesthetic, ethical and practical functions in the artistic system of epic storytelling in the Adyghe folklore. The functional role of color symbolism in the poetics of the historical and heroic epic is especially noted. The most common color symbols are considered, in connection with its belonging to one of the worlds, upper, middle or lower. Determination of these positions and the form of its artistic refl ection is the task of our research. The study of artistic means and techniques in relation to their mythopoetic basis and the system of ethical norms and attitudes that existed in the traditional Adyghe society is relevant for the comprehensive study of folklore. This is the novelty of this study. The analysis reveals the role of color designations in the functional diff erentiation of images and objectifi cation of the worldview, which is characteristic of the Adyghe ethnic artistic tradition.