Historical anthropology of Shahsun nomads of Iran

Abstract

Nomads are a group whose axis of social communication is organized based on relative, causal, real, or ideal kinship. Shahsun lived in parts of northwestern Iran, especially Mughan and Ardabil. Shahsuns are one of the most important and famous nomads of Eastern Azerbaijan province and have a long history. Shahsun nomads have special customs and traditions. Their life is mostly based on the animal husbandry economy, and agricultural activities are at the next stage of importance. They had special local clothes such as Petawa and Charuq, which are indicators of Ilat Shahsun's clothing. Among the special arts of Shahsun, I can mention handicrafts, the most important of which is Varnish weaving, as well as music and the use of various instruments such as Reeds, Tutak, Tar, and Garman, which are popular among these nomads. They live in the region of The beauty of Arsbaran is that in their way of accommodation, it is possible to mention the use of pavilions, Kome, and Chatma. Apart from field research and objective observations and experiences, the present article is an analytical study and review of texts and documents related to the history of Shahsuns. This research is based on the opinion of the French anthropologist Marcel Moss, who believes in the in-depth research method, that is deep observation and study about a limited community like nomads. What is followed in this research is to investigate and analyze the culture, beliefs, religious practices, and social behavioral patterns of the Shahsun nomads.

Keywords

• Nomads
• Shahsun nomads
• clothing
• Handicrafts
• pavilions and Kome
• culture and beliefs