The Symbolic Load of the House – An Anthropological Perspective on Kutaisi
By Nia Kuchava
For social and cultural anthropology, the transformation of a dwelling into a home—when walls transcend their utilitarian function and acquire deeper symbolic meaning—is a fascinating subject. The question is not merely about the techniques and materials used in construction but about the profound shift that occurs when a shelter becomes imbued with life and meaning. This article explores the symbolic significance of the house, its social, cultural, and individual dimensions, and how urban spaces, like the city of Kutaisi, can serve as extensions of the home—an expanded, collective variation of personal space.
One of the house’s most important functions is its role in dividing and storing. It materializes the concept of “here,” distinguishing it from the external “outside” world. The house is more than a place of residence or shelter; it embodies the ability to delineate and hold space. It acts as a transitional phase between near and far, internal and external. This dual role accommodates material and immaterial dimensions, offering a sanctuary for both personal possessions and a sense of belonging.
Living in a house is not just about inhabiting it, but about a unique experience of being. A house, as a lived experience, becomes a repository for events, memories, and deeply personal relationships. It is shaped by the interplay of individual and collective factors, creating an intimate and dynamic relationship with the people who inhabit it.
While the perception of home is largely shaped by individual experience, social and cultural factors and the urban space surrounding the house also play pivotal roles. Urban spaces determine many attributes associated with the house, influencing how it is perceived and experienced. A city, such as Kutaisi, can become a home in itself, regardless of the duration of one’s stay or its significance in one’s biography.
Urban spaces often reflect collective experiences that shape relationships with the house. Daily life in a city creates shared perspectives and inner values akin to those of a home. This similarity allows the urban space to be seen as an extended version of the house—a space that embodies life and experience in parallel ways. Moreover, the influence is reciprocal: people imprint their individuality on urban spaces through architectural choices, such as facades, balconies, and gates, reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between people and their environment.
The house also represents a counterbalance to the chaos of the external world, offering a reliable refuge. This juxtaposition sharpens the imagination of home, enhancing the sense of belonging and identity.
During periods of political tension and social upheaval, the symbolic and emotional importance of the house intensifies. In such times, the external world becomes unreliable, even hostile, making the home an anchor for stability and identity. The phenomenon of leaving one’s home—whether temporarily or permanently—brings profound emotional and psychological challenges.
In the Georgian context, centralization and mass emigration amplify the anxiety of leaving home. For many, a house is not just a reflection of the past but a repository of identity. People strive to preserve the appearance and essence of their homes, even when compelled to find new shelters.
The transformation of a shelter into a home is especially significant for displaced persons. Anthropological studies frequently focus on those forced to leave their homes due to war or disaster. One such study, conducted by researcher Kethrin Bruni, provides compelling insights into Kutaisi.
Between 2002 and 2011, Bruni observed the lives of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Abkhazia. In 2003, many IDPs were still living in collective centers, clinging to the hope of returning to their original homes. By 2010, significant changes were evident. Efforts to personalize and individualize their new homes were more pronounced, reflecting a shift from temporary shelter to permanent refuge.
One respondent shared the emotional complexities of recreating the aesthetics of Abkhazia in their new home, underscoring the enduring connection to their past life. This layering of memory and identity within a new dwelling illustrates how each subsequent home becomes an extension of the old, carrying traces of the past while adapting to present needs.
The house, as a concept, incorporates past, present, and future. It is not only a material structure but a space of peace, security, and inner harmony. Anthropological approaches reveal the profound personal tragedy of leaving home and the anxieties associated with entering unfamiliar spaces. The effort to transform a new space into a home reflects the resilience of human identity and the enduring connection to one’s origins.
In the case of Kutaisi, this intricate relationship between house and urban space highlights the deep symbolic and emotional significance of home. It offers a lens through which to examine the universal yet profoundly personal experience of belonging.