Saad News: Handicrafts are considered one of the cultural symbols of every city and country, reflecting the civilization, beliefs, customs, and traditions of the people who once lived in each region.
Iran's handicrafts, as one of the main hubs of handicrafts in the world alongside China and India, have a brilliant and rich history. Undoubtedly, the talent, creativity, and innovation of Iranians, along with their passion for art and creating artistic works, have been key factors in the stability and longevity of Iranian handicrafts. Experts believe that Iranians, by recognizing beauty, are able to create artistic works, or at least by appreciating it, they become admirers and encouragers of artists presenting their art, as Iranians have long understood that the work of an artist craftsman is not merely a physical task but that, like a poet or a scholar, they reflect their feelings and thoughts, giving them tangible form.
History of Handicrafts in the World
Countries with a longer history typically possess more diverse and extensive handicrafts. In ancient civilizations, many different governments, dynasties, and ethnic groups contributed to the variety and expansion of handicrafts, influencing their development significantly. Some of these countries include China, India, and Iran. These three countries are considered among the oldest civilizations in the world and are some of the largest producers of handicrafts. Prior to industrial revolutions, almost everything humans used, from clothing and jewelry to agricultural tools and weapons, was made by hand and with manual tools.
After the industrial revolutions of the 19th century, the production of machines, mechanical tools, and synthetic materials led to a diminished role for handicrafts in most societies. However, after the world wars, countries such as India, China, Mexico, and Greece made efforts to achieve economic independence by focusing on domestic production. Consequently, they prioritized handicraft production more than ever. In general, handicrafts have been an essential part of the economy of many countries from the beginning of human civilization up to the present.
History of Handicrafts in Iran
According to evidence, the first civilizations in Iran emerged about 10,000 to 12,000 years ago, meaning the history of handicrafts in Iran dates back around 10,000 years. It is even said that in northern Iran and the Mazandaran province, people lived 6,000 years ago and had their own specific handicrafts, such as stone sickles. Thus, the history of handicrafts in Iran dates back to the first civilizations in the country. One of the oldest handicrafts in Iran is pottery.
As we entered the metal age, metal replaced stone and became a crucial element of handicrafts. Agricultural tools, weapons, and other objects were made from metals like iron and copper. Over time, the use of metals in handicrafts expanded. Other metal-based crafts included jewelry and metal vessels.
Prehistoric Handicrafts
Ghirshman, during excavations at the "Sialk Hill," discovered objects from around 2800 to 2700 BC, including handmade pottery and those made with a pottery wheel. Based on their resemblance to items found in other regions, it can be inferred that similar civilizations existed in other areas of the country. Eric Schmidt, during his excavation in Damghan, found important works from craftsmen dating back to around 3,000 to 2,000 BC, including large pots with geometric shapes and light brown and cream glazes, mostly made with a wheel. These findings indicate the emergence of the pottery glazing technique in Iran over 5,000 years ago. Additionally, Schmidt's discoveries suggest the people of that time were familiar with copper, and many of their copper-made items included pins, daggers, maces, bracelets, and similar objects.
Moreover, the discovery of golden and silver items, especially gold jewelry, cups, and silver animal statues, shows that people of that period had access to and used precious metals. Further evidence suggests that Iranians at the time were highly skilled in metalworking and creating various artifacts such as mortars, statues, prayer beads, etc. Excavations in 1947 near Saqqez revealed a treasure trove of golden, bronze, and ivory items dating back to around the 7th century BC, during the Medes period.
Without a doubt, the discovery of the Marlik Cup and other metal artifacts from the Chaleh Ali Hill (Marlik Hill) near the road from Roudbar to Rasht, uncovered by an Iranian archaeological team led by Professor Ezzatollah Naghban, is a notable example of the skill of Iranian metalworkers during the Medes period or slightly earlier. Based on existing documents and uncovered artifacts, we can consider the pottery of the Medes period as an iconic art form, with hand weaving being a significant art and industry of the time.
Types of Iranian Handicrafts
Iranian handicrafts have evolved over time. Different types of handicrafts were produced in various historical periods, based on the needs of the people and governments. Some of the key types of Iranian handicrafts include:
Textile and Weaving Handicrafts
Metal Handicrafts
Pottery Handicrafts
Traditional Printing Handicrafts
Textile and Weaving Handicrafts: According to the history of handicrafts, textile and weaving are among the oldest handicrafts in Iran. This craft is used to make clothes and household items. It is one of the most diverse handicraft industries in Iran, with weaving of carpets, kilims, jajims, and other traditional textiles being common in many Iranian provinces. Iranian handwoven carpets are admired not only in Iran but also in many countries worldwide, including European nations.
Final Words
By examining the arts and handicrafts of Iranians during the prehistory of our country, we can conclude:
Iranians have always had a particular artistic taste, as evidenced by the pottery found in Shush, Sialk Hill, and the bronze artifacts from Lorestan.
Iranians have had a special focus on animal motifs in their art.
In addition to animal motifs, they used geometric patterns, each carrying its own meaning, symbol, and mystery to decorate their vessels, including pottery.
Iranian artists preferred abstract and symbolic motifs rather than naturalistic ones, which reflects their inclination towards more abstract and meaningful forms rather than mere imitation of nature.
