An anthropological look at the Morghaki-Ghuchaki motif in Bakhtiari handwoven

Articles in Press

Document Type : .

Author

Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and Tourism, Tehran, Iran.

10.30465/scs.2025.50616.2948

Abstract

One of the longstanding and recurring motifs in the handwoven textiles of the Bakhtiari nomads is a design known as Morghaki-Goochaki (Little Bird-Little Ram). Scholars analyzing the semantic meaning of this motif, which can simultaneously resemble the simplified head and neck of a bird, a ram, or a combination of both, have often linked it to two themes: the equinox in agrarian and pastoral civilizations, and a symbolic prayer for rain. However, these interpretations appear to be insufficiently supported.

This study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, utilizing documentary research and interviews and discussions with several researchers, cultural experts on Bakhtiari traditions, traditional weavers, and skilled kilim artisans regarding this motif. The research is based on a qualitative methodology employing an interpretive phenomenological approach. It seeks to frame the discussions within the anthropology of art, drawing extensively on interdisciplinary studies.

The findings suggest that, based on extensive evidence from pre-Islamic written sources and numerous tangible and intangible elements of Iranian culture, the concurrent presence of the bird and the ram (interpreted as the falcon and the ram) in Bakhtiari weavings can be understood as dual manifestations of Farr-e Izadi (divine glory).

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Main Subjects

Sociological Cultural Studies

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 20 January 2025

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