State Emblem of Ichkeria
A Symbol Forged from the Memory of Resistance
The State Emblem of Ichkeria by Sergey Melnikoff (MFF) transforms fragments of war into a symbol of historical continuity and national identity.
Created in Odesa, Ukraine, in collaboration with Ukrainian metalworker Viktor Bielchyk, the work is assembled from thousands of spent bullet casings and ammunition fragments. Each element retains its original form, preserving the physical trace of conflict within the structure of the emblem.
The composition reconstructs the heraldic symbol of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria through material that has directly participated in war. The surface is not decorative. It is cumulative — formed from individual fragments that together create a unified image.
This is not a symbolic representation alone.
It is a material record of resistance, assembled into form.
Materials & Technique
Spent bullet casings and ammunition fragments, assembled using electric welding.
Key Details
- Created in Odesa, Ukraine, 2024.
- Developed by Sergey Melnikoff (MFF) in collaboration with Viktor Bielchyk.
- Composed of thousands of small-calibre casings.
- Preserves the original form of each element.
- Reconstructs the heraldic symbol through material evidence.
- Combines national identity with documentary material.
Essay
The State Emblem of Ichkeria is not an image applied to material. It is constructed from it.
Each casing carries the trace of a moment of conflict. Assembled together, they form not only a symbol, but a surface shaped by accumulation.
The work does not represent resistance.
It is composed of its remains.
A symbolic presentation of the State Emblem of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria, forged from fragments of mines and munitions, to Prime Minister Ahmed Zakayev, with Viktor Yushchenko, President of Ukraine, present.
Kyiv, February 24, 2024.
Press:
Featured in international media.
Details available upon request.
Dimensions: 75 × 75 cm (29½ × 29½ in)
Weight: approx. 50 kg
Provenance:
The Soul of Ukraine Foundation, Inc. (since creation).
Gifted to the Cabinet of Ministers of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria
Ahmed Zakayev and Sergey Melnikoff with the State Emblem of Ichkeria. Kyiv.
International Conference of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria, with Sergey Melnikoff and Viktor Yushchenko.
Kyiv, February 28, 2024.