Symbology of Bird Motifs in Persian and Indian Carpets

The motifs used in Persian and Indian carpets are replete with concepts and symbolic meanings deeply rooted in myths, cultures and beliefs of both countries. One of these motifs is the bird motif, the symbol of freedom and salvation, which can be seen as common or specific motifs in many Persian or Indian carpets. Bird motifs have been often shown in the middle of green meadows or beautiful gardens alluding to divinity and promised paradise. As mentioned, since old motifs are strongly interwoven with mythical motifs as well as ancient symbols, the research problem of the present study is to examine the nature of such symbols applied in Persian and Indian carpets. In fact, the study aimed to reveal the symbolic meanings latent in such old motifs. In this connection, in an article entitled Naturalism and Aesthetics in Persian Carpets, Chitsazian (2006) addressed the influence of naturalism on Persian carpets. Similarly, in another article entitled Interpretation of Fish Motifs in Safavid Carpets, Sabbaghpour and Shayestehfar (2009) tried to decipher the symbolic meanings of fish motifs used in Safavid carpets with the help of verses in Rumi’s Masnavi.