Çkklar

Çkklar are a class of circular ritual timekeeping discs associated with the Kestari people of the northern archipelago of Aramere. They function as calendars and ceremonial objects, marking lunar months, tides, and agricultural cycles. Typically produced in sets, çkklar are read in a fixed sequence during ceremonies and calendar observances.

Construction and motifs: Discs measure roughly 22–28 cm in diameter and 3–5 mm in thickness. They are carved from slate, limestone, or marble and often feature concentric rings, glyphs, and small icons representing lunar phases and seasonal events. A central hole allows the disc to be threaded or hung for display or use in rituals.

Use: In ritual contexts, discs are attached to cords and manipulated by specialists who guide the counting and interpretation during ceremonies, harvest rites, and temple occasions. The symbols correspond to days, tides, and seasonal markers, with readings taught across generations by elders.

History and distribution: The earliest çkklar appear in the Aramere archaeological record dating to roughly 1200–1000 BCE. They were produced by several stone workshops and circulated throughout the archipelago, with regional variations in motifs and counting systems that reflect local practices.

Cultural significance and legacy: Çkklar illustrate the Kestari’s observable astronomy and organized approach to timekeeping. In modern museums they are studied by archaeologists and archaeoastronomers, and their imagery inspires contemporary art and craft. Reproductions and replicas are common in cultural exhibitions and serve as symbols of regional heritage.