1- art university of isfahan , farzad.saljooghi.96@gmail.com
2- art university of tehran
2- art university of tehran
Abstract: (53 Views)
This study investigates the Vaq-Vaq tree motif in pictorial carpets from Northwestern Iran, arguing that these motifs function as more than decorative elements: they encode layered ritual, mythic, and psychological meanings. Using a purposive sample of ten carpets drawn from museum holdings, auction catalogues, and digital archives, the research applied a two-stage, qualitative symbolic reading grounded in Jungian theory. First, each carpet’s visual components were documented and categorized (overall tree morphology, hanging heads, human or deev figures, hybrid creatures, and scene composition). Second, these visual units were interpreted through Jungian archetypes such as the Shadow, the cosmic tree, the guardian of the threshold, and the individuation process to determine their narrative and psychocultural functions. Results reveal three prominent symbolic patterns across the corpus: (1) “integrative” trees that signify inner integration and stages of psychological development; (2) “destructive/tempting” trees associated with temptation, identity breakdown, or corruptive alliances; and (3) “dual/contrasting” patterns that visually stage local ritual and social tensions (for example, light/dark or life/death contrasts). Specific motifs hanging heads and hybrid beings frequently operate as threshold guardians or initiatory tests, while depictions of rulers entering into relationships with dark forces suggest readings that combine psychological and socio-political symbolism. The findings align with a Jungian interpretive frame and point to substantive links with regional folk and mystical traditions. At the same time, the study highlights limitations inherent in relying primarily on archival and visual data and calls for targeted fieldwork (interviews with weavers and local informants) and expanded archival research to achieve fuller historical and cultural contextualization of the Vaq-Vaq motif.
This study investigates the Vaq-Vaq tree motif in pictorial carpets from Northwestern Iran, arguing that these motifs function as more than decorative elements: they encode layered ritual, mythic, and psychological meanings. Using a purposive sample of ten carpets drawn from museum holdings, auction catalogues, and digital archives, the research applied a two-stage, qualitative symbolic reading grounded in Jungian theory. First, each carpet’s visual components were documented and categorized (overall tree morphology, hanging heads, human or deev figures, hybrid creatures, and scene composition). Second, these visual units were interpreted through Jungian archetypes such as the Shadow, the cosmic tree, the guardian of the threshold, and the individuation process to determine their narrative and psychocultural functions. Results reveal three prominent symbolic patterns across the corpus: (1) “integrative” trees that signify inner integration and stages of psychological development; (2) “destructive/tempting” trees associated with temptation, identity breakdown, or corruptive alliances; and (3) “dual/contrasting” patterns that visually stage local ritual and social tensions (for example, light/dark or life/death contrasts). Specific motifs hanging heads and hybrid beings frequently operate as threshold guardians or initiatory tests, while depictions of rulers entering into relationships with dark forces suggest readings that combine psychological and socio-political symbolism. The findings align with a Jungian interpretive frame and point to substantive links with regional folk and mystical traditions. At the same time, the study highlights limitations inherent in relying primarily on archival and visual data and calls for targeted fieldwork (interviews with weavers and local informants) and expanded archival research to achieve fuller historical and cultural contextualization of the Vaq-Vaq motif.
This study investigates the Vaq-Vaq tree motif in pictorial carpets from Northwestern Iran, arguing that these motifs function as more than decorative elements: they encode layered ritual, mythic, and psychological meanings. Using a purposive sample of ten carpets drawn from museum holdings, auction catalogues, and digital archives, the research applied a two-stage, qualitative symbolic reading grounded in Jungian theory. First, each carpet’s visual components were documented and categorized (overall tree morphology, hanging heads, human or deev figures, hybrid creatures, and scene composition). Second, these visual units were interpreted through Jungian archetypes such as the Shadow, the cosmic tree, the guardian of the threshold, and the individuation process to determine their narrative and psychocultural functions. Results reveal three prominent symbolic patterns across the corpus: (1) “integrative” trees that signify inner integration and stages of psychological development; (2) “destructive/tempting” trees associated with temptation, identity breakdown, or corruptive alliances; and (3) “dual/contrasting” patterns that visually stage local ritual and social tensions (for example, light/dark or life/death contrasts). Specific motifs hanging heads and hybrid beings frequently operate as threshold guardians or initiatory tests, while depictions of rulers entering into relationships with dark forces suggest readings that combine psychological and socio-political symbolism. The findings align with a Jungian interpretive frame and point to substantive links with regional folk and mystical traditions. At the same time, the study highlights limitations inherent in relying primarily on archival and visual data and calls for targeted fieldwork (interviews with weavers and local informants) and expanded archival research to achieve fuller historical and cultural contextualization of the Vaq-Vaq motif.
Keywords: Vaq-Vaq tree, Jungian archetypes, Northwestern Iranian carpets, unconscious symbolism, demons and jinn
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