A Study on the Footwear Patterns and its Significant Symbols of Zafaranlu and Shadlu Tribes of the Kurmanji People

Abstract

Problem Definition: The tribe of Kurmanj, enforced to immigrate from the west of the country to protect the eastern borders by the order of Shah Abbas of the Safavid era, were mostly stockbreeders and accustomed with nature. Among their handcrafted art, woven footwears are distinguishable that bestow a unique design and pattern. Footwear consisted of woolen socks, Pataveh, and Charuq that narrate the lives and memories of nomadic men and women with their texture and sewing. These motifs have arisen in the cultural and climatic range of the Kurmanj people.Objective: Classification of designs and recognition of significant symbols, meaning, and concepts in the footwear of the Zafaranlu and Shadlu tribes in Shirvan, Bojnourd, Quchan, and Kalat Naderi.Research Method: The overall research approach is qualitative. The methodology is descriptive and analytical in terms of purpose, basis, and essence. Data is collected by library research with the aid of field materials including interviews and photography.Results: The footwear of the Kurmanji tribe can be classified into three types: socks, Pataveh and Charuq. The variety of patterns applied in socks are more perceivable compared to other footwear. The applied patterns include animal, plant, and geometric designs that are significantly abstract and geometric. The use of the mentioned patterns is mostly the same bearing variances in some tribes. The source of inspiration for the usage of the applied patterns and the beliefs of the Kurmanji tribe root in nature, vegetation, birds, animals, daily affairs, and climatic conditions. In Kurmanji art, symbols such as blessing, fertility, power, endurance, revival, life, protection, hazard, fertility, transcendental and cosmic forces can be outlined.

Keywords

• nomads of kurmanj
• zafaranlu
• shadlu
• footwear
• designs
• and symbols