The most important item of the Adyghe household was the sacred hearth. Its unquenchable fire symbolized the unity of the family. The chain that hung over it was passed down from generation to generation as part of the ancestral heritage.
A cauldron chain consisted of forged iron links connected to each other in an eight-shape. The shape of the links could sometimes vary, though the original well-recognized octal shape always remained. At the top end, the chain had a hook or a ring that was used to attach it to the central ceiling beam. At the bottom end, it had a hook that was used to suspend pots.
The cauldron chain was of special value to the Adyghe family — strangers were not allowed to touch it. In case of danger, the family abandoned all property except the chain. If the whole family perished, the chain was hung on a tree in the sacred grove of the ancestors.
A person who touched the hearth automatically fell under the patronage of the owners of the house. Even enemies became inviolable if they touched the chain hanging over the sacred hearth.
The Adyghe never put out the fire in the hearth. Before going to bed, it was covered with ashes. The number of hot coals raked into the ashes was equal to the number of family members. In the morning these coals were used to light the fire. Women were obliged to keep the fire burning in the hearth.
The women cooked food in cast-iron pots suspended over the fire. Newborn children were brought to the hearth and their heads were touched by the end of the chain above it. A sacrificial animal intended for a ritual feast could be blessed with this chain. The Adyghe swore by it. Cauldron chains were placed in sanctuaries and they were used to heal the sick. The chain was left in the house of the parents when one of their offspring got married.
In 1997, this chain was donated to the Adygeysk Museum of Local Lore by Zulikh Khakhuzovna Huako from Pchegatlukai village in the Teuchezhsky district of the Republic of Adygeya. According to the 80-year-old previous owner, the chain belonged to her family.
