ანი და ჰოე - ɑnɪ and hɔɛ
This design represents the first and the last letters in the second known Georgian alphabet known as "Nuskhuri" -
ⴀ and
ⴥ.
History Behind the Design
Georgian alphabet is a unique alphabet used by Kartvelian languages. Its creation is commonly attributed to the King Pharnavaz I in III BC -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharnavaz_I_of_Iberia Although some historical sources claim that writing in Georgia existed before his time and some assume he merely organized the alphabetic order and was a reformator rather than the creator of this writing.
Over the millenia the alphabet changed and developed a lot. Gradual changes spawned three distinct evolution stages -
three different alphabets. The oldest one is called "Asomtavruli" and "Mrgvlovani". By 9 AD it evolved into the second alphabet - "Nuskhuri", though it was only after two more centuries to when Nuskhuri finally superseded its ancestor in most writing. By this time - 11 AD - yet another writing: "Mkhedruli" comes to life, still bearing noticeable resemblence to both "Asomtavruli" and "Nuskhuri". Since then Mkhedruli has remained as the writing of Georgians while Asomtavruli and Nuskhuri remain in use in religious tradition of the orthodox church of Georgia.
It's worth noting that Mkhedruli has undergone a reform in 19th century, which removed five of its 38 letters. On of those five is what used to be the last letter -
ჵ (hɔɛ
).
Monogram pendants for the other two alphabets, including the pre-reform and post-reform versions of Mkhedruli are in my shop.
Thank you for your attention, and have a great day!