The symbolism of the Neyriz rug

Tree rugs produced in the city of Neyriz have often been neglected and less looked at. This is mainly because the lifestyle in this region has changed, resulting in fewer weaves of any kind. Another significant reason why these rugs are not known to many lies in our lack of knowledge about the mythology behind the handwoven carpets. This article tries to shed light on the symbolism behind these rugs based on research done by Dr Sirous Parham in a paper titled.

Description

Neyriz tree rugs are known to experts as ‘Se Kondeh’ since the trunk of this tree is made of three parts which are sometimes alike and parallel, and at times of different shapes. In many existing rugs, the branches are dense and full of flowers, hence they are called ‘Se Kondeh Hezar Gol’. Besides flowers, there are fruits as well as three o five birds on the branches. In some patterns, there are also symmetrical images of such animals as lions and peacocks standing guard at the bottom of the tree.

Regional Background

These rugs are especially created in a region called Meshkan near the city of Neyriz (Shiraz) in Fars province. The first use of this pattern in Fars province goes back to the Safavid era found in the tiles used in the Khan school which was built in 1615 in Shiraz.

Symbolism

Se Kondeh pattern has its roots in regions geographically outside Iran though influenced by the Iranian culture. The only existing image of a Se Konde tree is found in a Manichaean mural on the wall of Bazghaligh Temple in Turfan in East Turkestan. Therefore, it can be concluded that Se Konde tree is a fundamental icon in Manichaeism which still remains, unlike other Manichaean manuscripts or pictorial works that are forgotten now.

Interpretation of Manichaean Tree

Most interpretations of the Se Konde tree in Turfan are based on Manichaeism. It can be a symbolic objectivism of light, god and soul. It could also refer to father (grandeur), mother (life) and eternal human (Ormazd). It is also interpreted as three Manichaean times (past, present, future). Experts in Manichaean arts believe this Manichaean motif might make symbolic reference to Kilmkeit (land of light) which in Manichaeism extends from east to west as well as to the north though not including the south which is the land of darkness.