Analysis of the theme of Mihr in the "Howz and Jamek" pattern and the motif of "birth" of Ilam rug

 
The motifs and patterns of Ilam rugs, like other cultural expressions, can be taken into account as the crucial and decisive factors. Obviously, historical, religious, cultural and natural components influence the formation of the art superstructure. A large number of ancient hills and historical monuments in Ilam are considered as sources of inspiration and ideas for rug motifs. The themes related to "Mihr"(Mitra) are abundant and can be traced in Iranian motifs. A lot of motifs and symbols are explicitly and implicitly associated with "Mihr". The present study attempts to investigate understanding and identifying the theme of "Mihr" in "Howz and Jamek" pattern and the motif of "birth" of Ilam rugs. Indeed, the purpose of this study is to scrutinize the theme of "Mihr" as one of the theoretical foundations of Ilam rug patterns. This research is qualitative and the findings are the result of library studies and field research. Interviews with Ilam native weavers were also carried out. The data analysis includes descriptive-analytical approach. On the one hand, myth critique paved the way to identify themes and on the other hand, to match the data with other representations in the cultural space of Ilam."Lachak" (headgear) and "Toranj" pattern with the local name "Howzi" had the greatest frequency among Ilam rug patterns. Meanwhile, the "Houz and Jamek" resulted from "houzi" pattern branches was selected as a study sample. The motif of "birth" in the margins of the "Lachak and Toranj" pattern was considered. The results showed that the theme of "Mihr" has formed the structure of "Howz and Jamek" patterns as well as the motif of "birth" of Ilam rug. Four types of analyses of the motif of "birth" were performed, all of which indicate the implicit presence of the theme of "Mihr". Despite the diversity of the four analysis dimensions; "birth" or "Woman giving birth", "Rural weaver girl", "The motif of Doskumi or Dostkami" and "Manifestation of a three-branch plant", "Mihr" is a repetition of an old pattern worthy of attention. Understanding the continuation of the life of myth in Ilam rug is one of the main results of this study. Metamorphosis has taken place in myth, but belief in the concept of basis (blessing and procreation) persists among people. First, samples are selected from the old and original rugs of Ilam, then analyzes were carried out.