The Reason for Portraying Images of Animals on the Instrument of Daf Based on Khaghani Sharvani's Poems

Visual arts have witnessed the emergence of various roles and themes throughout history, resulting in the development of diverse methods and platforms within the industry. In the realm of urban music, specifically in Iran, musical instruments are adorned with various images, becoming integral accessories to this art form. In the 6th century AH, along the banks of the Aras River in the region historically known as the Kingdom of Sharvan, Khaghani Sharvani, a poet and musicologist, highlighted the unique role of Daf, a percussion instrument adorned with depictions of domestic and wild animals, especially in hunting situations. This article employed a historical-analytical method and relied on library studies to explore this topic. Multiple factors contribute to the significance of Daf in this context, making it difficult to pinpoint a single definitive reason. However, considering the historical connection between similar practices among the shamans of Siberia and the Caucasus, as well as Khaghani Sharvani's emphasis on the association between Daf and the hunting grounds of the kings of Sharvan, this explanation emerges as the most compelling and informative among the various reasons that can be discussed.