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A Comparative Comparison of the Harsin Kilim Motifs with the Embossed Motifs of the Ilam Kilim

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Mahnaz Shayestehfar
P. H. D., Associate Professor, Department of Islamic Art, Faculty of Arts, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Throughout history, humans have always resorted to using textiles, including Kilims, to protect themselves against climate change. Over thousands of years, textile production has started from the interweaving of plant fibers and ended up with today's delicate Kilims and fabrics. The method of weaving without lint and the so-called "Kilim-weave or flat-weave" is one of the types of textile weaving, especially of the expanding type. This method of weaving and the resulting product, which has become famous with the general title "Kilim", is often common among nomads and villagers and the oldest example obtained is related to the Parthian period. Considering the lack of specialized research done in order to distinguish this valuable art, the problem of acknowledging the motifs of these Kilims will encourage and increase their use in order to preserve the heritage and handicrafts of Iran. This research aims to investigate Kilim motifs in the two regions of Harsin (located in the Kermanshah province) and Ilam, which are the oldest and most important areas of Kilim-weaving in Iran. The research method of this article is descriptive-analytical and the materials have been collected in a library and field method. The results of the research show that the patterns formed in the Kilims of these regions are influenced by weaving techniques and their natural environment, and this sameness is the source of inspiration as a similarity in the patterns of the Kilims of these regions. The difference between the Kilim patterns of these regions is that the patterns formed in the Harsin Kilim include various abstract geometric designs taken from their surrounding living environment, whereas the Kilim patterns in Ilam reflect the subjective beliefs of the weavers in the form of tangible patterns including geometric, vase, bergamot, pictorial and mosaic.

Research aims:
1. Examination of Kilim patterns in two regions of Harsin and Ilam.
2. The influence of beliefs or the source of inspiration of motifs applied in the Kilims of Harsin and Ilam.

Research questions:
1. What is the source of inspiration for Kilim patterns in these two regions?
2. What are the similarities and differences between the Kilim motifs of the two regions of Harsin and Ilam?
Keywords
Kilim
Patterns
Harsin
Ilam
Motif
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Sofalineh
Volume 1, Issue 1
March 2025
Pages 115-128