Saed News: Handicrafts are considered one of the cultural symbols of every city and country, reflecting the civilization, beliefs, customs, and traditions of the peoples who once lived in each region.
Iranian handicrafts, alongside China and India, are considered one of the main centers of handicrafts in the world, with a rich and illustrious history. Undoubtedly, the creativity, innovative spirit, and passion of the Iranians for art and the creation of artistic works have been key factors in the establishment and longevity of Iran's handicrafts. Experts believe that Iranians, by recognizing beauty, succeed in creating artistic works or, at the very least, through their understanding of it, become admirers and supporters of artists in presenting artistic works. This is because Iranians, who have long had a deep appreciation for art, have recognized that the work of an artisan is not merely a physical labor but, like a writer or poet, reflects the artisan's emotions and thoughts, giving them tangible form.
History of Handicrafts Around the World
Countries with a longer history tend to have more diverse and extensive handicrafts. In these countries, various governments, dynasties, and tribes have lived, all of which have had a significant impact on the variety and expansion of handicrafts. Among these countries, China, India, and Iran are notable. These three countries are among the oldest civilizations in world history and are some of the largest producers of handicrafts globally. Before the industrial revolutions, everything that humans used, from clothing and jewelry to agricultural tools and weapons, was made and produced by hand using manual tools.
After the industrial revolutions in the 19th century, with the production of machines, mechanical tools, and synthetic materials, the role of handicrafts diminished in most societies. However, after the World Wars, countries like India, China, Mexico, and Greece, in their pursuit of economic independence, began focusing on domestic production. As a result, they placed more emphasis on handicraft production than ever before. Overall, handicrafts have been an essential economic pillar in many countries around the world, from the earliest human civilizations to the present day.
History of Handicrafts in Iran
According to available evidence, the first civilizations in Iran emerged around 10 to 12 thousand years ago. Therefore, the history of handicrafts in Iran dates back approximately 10,000 years. It is even said that people in northern Iran and the regions of Mazandaran province lived around 6,000 years ago and had their own handicrafts, such as stone sickles. Thus, the history of handicrafts in Iran traces back to the first civilizations established in the country. One of the oldest handicrafts in Iran is pottery.
After entering the metal age, metal replaced stone and became one of the essential components of handicrafts. Agricultural tools and weapons were among the handicrafts that were made from metals such as iron and copper in the past. Over time, the use of metal in handicrafts increased. Other handicrafts produced using metals included jewelry and metal vessels.
History of Handicrafts in Prehistoric Times
Ghirshman, during his excavation at "Tepe Sialk," succeeded in discovering objects from around 2800 to 2700 BC, including various handmade pottery and pottery made using the potter's wheel. Through similarities with items found in other regions, it can be inferred that there were civilizations or cultures with similarities to these in other parts of the country. Eric Schmidt, while excavating in Damghan, found a collection of important works from craftsmen dating back to 3000-2000 BC. These ceramics included large jars with geometric shapes and light brown and cream glazes, mostly made using a potter's wheel, indicating the emergence of glazing techniques in Iran about five thousand years ago. Schmidt's discoveries also suggest that the people of that period were familiar with copper, with many of the copper artifacts found being items such as copper pins, daggers, maces, bracelets, and similar objects.
Additionally, the discovery of gold and silver objects, especially gold jewelry, cups, and silver animal figurines, indicates that the people of that era had access to and used precious metals. There is also evidence that shows Iranians at the time were highly skilled in metalworking, creating various items such as mortars, sculptures, beads, and other artifacts from different stones. Following excavations in 1947 (325 AH) near Saqqez, a treasure of golden, bronze, and ivory items was discovered, dating back to the 7th century BC, the beginning of the Median Empire. Similarly, in the excavation of Hasanlu, 85 kilometers south of Urmia, a golden cup was found with mythological scenes engraved on it, dating back to the 14th to 8th century BC.
Without a doubt, the Marlik Cup and other metal artifacts discovered at Chalgali Tepe (Marlik Hill) located 14 kilometers from the road connecting Rudbar to Rasht, excavated by an Iranian archaeological team led by Professor Ezzatollah Negahban, can be considered a prominent example of the skill of Iranian metalworkers during the Median period and even slightly beyond. Based on available documents and discovered artifacts, it can also be concluded that pottery during the Median period was a significant art, and weaving at that time was an important craft.
The engraved bronze tools of Lorestan, various weapons, agricultural tools, decorative items, ritual objects, types of horse and chariot accessories, idols, and large-headed bronze pins decorated with animal heads and horns, are among the traditional and notable handicrafts of the Iranians in the first millennium BC. These are believed to have been created by the first Medes who entered Iran, based on the available evidence.
Types of Iranian Handicrafts
Iranian handicrafts have evolved over time. Different handicrafts were produced in different historical periods, often based on the needs of the people and governments. Here are some of the types of Iranian handicrafts:
Textile and Weaving Handicrafts
Metal Handicrafts
Pottery Handicrafts
Traditional Printing Handicrafts
Textile and Weaving Handicrafts
According to the history of handicrafts, weaving and textiles are among the oldest handicrafts in Iran. This craft is used to produce clothing and some household items. It is one of the most diverse handicrafts in Iran. In many provinces of Iran, weaving carpets, kilims, jajim, and other forms of traditional textiles are popular. Iranian handmade carpets are not only popular in Iran but are also admired in many countries worldwide, including European nations.
Conclusion
From the study of the art and crafts of the ancient Iranians before the documented history of our country, the following conclusions can be drawn:
Iranians had a special artistic taste and aesthetic sense, which is evident in the pottery found in Shush, Tepe Sialk, Tepe Hesar, and the bronzes of Lorestan.
The Iranians paid special attention to animal motifs.
In addition to animal motifs, they used geometric patterns, each carrying meaning, symbolism, and mystery, to decorate their vessels, including their pottery.
The artistic style of ancient Iranian artists was not "naturalistic" or nature-based. Iranians preferred abstract and symbolic patterns over the naturalistic approach.
