Investigation of key symbols in the motifs of nomadic kilims in Khorasan region (Kurmanj, Turkmen and Sangesar)

The vast land of Khorasan, in addition to being a place for the growth and expression of various arts, has also preserved some of the key concepts of Iranian culture. One of the best ways to analyze these concepts is to study the arts that have manifested Iranian culture and identity. The nomads of Khorasan region are among the noble tribes whose recognition of their traditions, customs and symbols can be effective in identifying the native art and culture of Iran. The nomads of Kermanj, Turkmen and Sangesar have preserved and displayed their cultural heritage due to their cultural interactions with their relatives and neighbors. The question raised in this article is what are the key concepts of the motifs of these nomads' kilims? And in the form of key symbols, in what motifs have these concepts emerged? The purpose of this article is to study the key symbols of the motifs of nomadic kilims in Khorasan region and to identify the key concepts proposed in their motifs. The research method is descriptive-analytical and the data collection method is library gathering. The results indicate that the motifs in the studied handicrafts are rooted in their beliefs and rituals and are a combination of summarizing and describing key symbols. Many of the symbols used, such as fertility, blessing, power, and support, are similar, although there are differences in the pronunciation of names and how they are performed. And some symbols contain different and even contradictory meanings. In general, animal symbols are used more than human and plant symbols and human motifs are not seen in Turkmen.