A Reflection of Tradition of Scorproba in Grigol Robakidze's "Engad" and Mikheil Javakhishvili's "White Collar"

Abstract

A strange tradition, spread in one part of eastern mountainous region of Georgia, known as “cacloba” in Pshavi, and “scorproba” in Khevsureti, has attracted great attention. Many research works have been written. Unfortunately, the majority of scientific works are descriptive in nature and cannot answer questions concerning the origin of the mentioned tradition, its true essence, real aim of its formation and allowance in harsh environment of Pshavi and Khevsureti. There are also studies to search for the true inwardness of the matter, but pitifully very superficial conclusions are made. The main problem of most of the works, according to Z. Kiknadze, is a superficial study of the issue by the authors. The simple reason of it is that they contemplate the issue as outsiders not locals of these areas. Only a small number of researchers were able to reveal the true kernel of the tradition and deliver it correctly to the readers.
The topic was also spread in the fiction and from there it became known to the wider masses (correctness of interpretations is discussed below). We imply Mikheil Javakhishvili's novel "White Collar" and Grigol Robakidze's short novel "Engadi". In both works, the mentioned tradition occupies a central place, and the writers' thoughts are concentrated on the search of the main essence of the tradition. However, they stand on radically different positions. If for one, scorproba is a sign of backwardness, the other sees love in it.