Symbology and Analysis of The Formal Structure of Birjand Horse Head Carpet Design and Motifs

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD Candidate, comparative analytical study of Islamic art, Faculty of Art, Al-Zahra University, Tehran, Iran

2 Professor, Department of Art Research, Faculty of Arts, Al-Zahra University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Birjand city in South Khorasan province is one of the famous areas of carpet weaving, which is world famous for its elegance, quality and design. Among the prominent designs in the history of Birjand carpets is the horse head rug, which is rarely woven today. It seems that the forms used in it, in addition to beauty, are also important from the point of view of symbology and transfer of the culture and art of the past. The purpose of this research is to investigate the formal analysis of the structure of the horse head rug as well as the symbols used in this design, so that in this way a set of design information and the patterns and symbols used can be obtained. So what are the structures and symbols used in Birjand horse head rug?
This article has been done in an analytical-descriptive way based on documentary studies and collecting carpet images in the field and using interview tools, observation and photography of samples of horse head carpets. In addition to introducing the Birjand horse head design in terms of appearance and motifs, the mentioned research has explained the relationship between the images used in the horse head design and their symbolic meaning. 
The results of this research show that in order to maintain its connection with the past, the horse head carpet has tried to revive its sublime culture in this time by intelligently using Achaemenid symbols. In almost all parts of this carpet, we can see the influence of Achaemenid art, including in the third part of the rug, there are twelve imaginary winged animals facing each other, which in terms of form and design are very similar to Achaemenid lions. Using these symbols and signs, the carpet designer and weaver has tried to use ancient Iranian elements to transmit and preserve the culture of the past in the form of carpet designs.

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Journal of Applied Arts
Volume 3, Issue 2 - Serial Number 10
September 2024
Pages 55-66

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History

  • Receive Date: 19 April 2023
  • Revise Date: 26 October 2023
  • Accept Date: 26 November 2023

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