Circassian Tamga — Tribal Crests & Clan Symbols

A tamga (тамыгъэ) is a hereditary geometric symbol that served as a Circassian clan's legal signature, livestock brand, and identity marker. Archaeological evidence from the Belaya River valley near Maykop dates tamga use to at least the 10th century CE.

Five Historical Functions of the Tamga

Tamgas were used for livestock branding on Kuban steppe grazing lands, boundary marking along the Laba and Psekups rivers, document authentication on inter-tribal treaties, gravestone identification in clan burial grounds, and decorative motifs on weapons and silverwork.

Search, Compare & Submit Your Family Tamga

Our database catalogs tamgas from all 12 Adyghe tribes, cross-referenced with family surnames and diaspora locations from Uzunyayla (Turkey) to Wadi al-Sir (Jordan) and Kfar Kama (Israel). Search by name, tribe, or visual similarity.