A Comparative and Evolutionary Study on Geometric Motives on Ancient Materials and Native Arts in Mazandaran, Iran

Mazandaran is one of the most important region of the northern lands of Iran that is surrounded between northern slopes of central Alborz Mountains and southern seashore of Caspian see. The earliest presence of humankind in this region returns to Late Paleolithic and Mesolithic. There are many evidences which show the importance and oldness of artifacts in Mazandaran. Archaeological excavations in two caves near Behshahr, Hotu and Kamarband, have estimated the precedence of ceramic around 8000 years ago.
Archaeological data demonstrates that there always have been an affinity relation between artifacts and spiritual and moral cognitions during the culture history of Iran. Runic concepts and symbolic indications have ever been an effective and charming manner in transition of mental, ritual and religious elements in Iranian arts. The same as other regions of Iran we can see this tradition in Mazandaran.
Many artifacts and objects have been discovered in ancient sites of Mazandaran. There are a lot of motives on some of them by which we can recognize the thoughts and believes of their manufacturers. Potteries and some of other movable object such as metal works contain ideological motives and indications and symbolic meanings.
On the other hand, nowadays there are various native arts in different areas of Mazandaran especially in villages. Artifacts such as woven, textile, engraving and pottery have decorated with primitive and symbolic motives. One of the most important matters in archaeology is the formation of designs and patterns and their evolution and changes which cause the understanding of some economic, social and ideological aspects of the past societies. One of the main goals of this investigation is the comparative study about prehistoric, historical and native geometric motives which have used on artifacts in the region. We have identified and classified these designs. Then, the reformation process of these motives were studied and finally, we have tried to recognize their meanings if it was possible. The investigation has been managed documentary and field work methodologically.
The mentioned motives were divided into geometric, vegetative, animal, human and symbolic types. In the present paper we are going to describe and analysis the geometric ones. We are facing with little material because of the lack of archaeological excavations in Mazandaran province. However, the geometric patterns are numerous and various. Some of them have continued during the periods; some others have changed and evolutioned and the others have disappeared. Environment, religion, domestic culture and folklore were the most important factors for the formation and continuity of these geometric designs.
This subject hasn’t already investigated all-inclusive. Study of these motives during the mentioned periods has caused the identity and discovery of their originality and their native identification. We have gathered our data by the study of reports and documents. Besides, we have done a field work which contains sampling, photographing, visiting of museums, archaeological sites and far-reaching villages, and interviewing with native-born artificers and informed investigators.
1. This paper was extracted from a research under the title of “The Comparative Study of the Symbolic Motives of the Prehistoric, Historic and Native Arts of Mazandaran” which was Authorized by Research and Technology Deputy, University of Mazandaran and directed by Dr. Rahmat Abbasnejad Seresti (Operator) and Moeinehsadat Hejazi (Cooperator) in April 2014.