Berikaoba Sculpture: A Tribute to Georgian Folk Theater

Located in Tbilisi's Old Town, just west of the Mtkvari River, the Berikaoba Sculpture captures a vibrant scene of dancers frozen in bronze. This sculpture pays tribute to the ancient Georgian tradition of Berikaoba, a spring ritual deeply rooted in the country's pagan past. Before Georgia embraced Christianity, its cultural landscape was a mix of beliefs, including Zoroastrianism and Hellenism. Berikaoba, whose origins are mysterious, celebrated the arrival of spring and the promise of fertility and good fortune. Masked figures, known as berikas, would parade through villages, collecting offerings like eggs and wine in return for a bountiful season. The celebration included feasting, wrestling, and games. While the custom has largely faded, with only a few villages in Kakheti continuing the tradition, the spirit of Berikaoba lives on in this sculpture. The sculpture also reflects the broader cultural history of Georgia as a land of diverse traditions and rituals. Berikaoba evolved into an improvised folk theater characterized by satire and social commentary. The name Berikaoba stems from the Kartvelian root “ber,” meaning "a child," hinting at renewal and rebirth. The sculpture is accessible 24/7 and stands at the northern edge of Tbilisi's oldest section.