Investigating the Visual Elements in Bakhtiari People's Fabrics (Case Study: Bakhtiari Veris)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Abstract
Nature compels the nomadic people to abandon their settled dwellings, Yaylak in the summer and Kishlak in the winter, and pass treacherous mountains and rivers to establish new settlements twice a year. These nomads must safeguard their modest and concise way of life and transport it to the new location using their livestock, which serves as their primary capital. The women of the nomadic community skillfully craft ropes known as Veris from the wool produced by their cattle. Veris is a hand-woven fabric that exhibits exceptional practicality, beauty, and intricate patterns. The Bakhtiari people utilize Veris to fulfill various needs in their nomadic lifestyle, such as securing loads, transporting firewood and water containers, relocating the baby's crib, and more. These hand-woven ropes play a vital role in the Bakhtiaris’ mobile way of life, distinguished by the remarkable beauty of the Veris motifs, their durability, and their multi use. These ropes often hold significant cultural and spiritual value, as their women adorn them with a wide array of motifs, each with its unique reason and background. These motifs sometimes depict objects found in the nomadic surroundings, flowers and plants in the Bakhtiari people's natural environment, the nomads' work and daily life, as well as animals. Additionally, geometric and innovative patterns can also be observed among these motifs, and as they evolve, they acquire symbolic and enigmatic qualities. The Bakhtiari people employ a multitude of diverse designs and functions in their weaving production, all of which draw inspiration from their customs, traditions, habits, impressions, and insights, ultimately reflecting their rich and bountiful culture.
       This descriptive-analytical paper aims to explore and evaluate the quality of visual elements in Bakhtiari Veris, with a focus on the art's aesthetic aspect. The paper seeks to answer the fundamental question of what factors influence the visual elements, such as patterns and colors, in Bakhtiari Veris. The motifs used in the hand-woven of the Bakhtiari people, including Veris, are inspired by nature, their lifestyle, and the surrounding environment. These motifs consist of plant, animal, and geometric patterns etc. Although these motifs have evolved over time, they still reflect the authenticity and culture of the Bakhtiari people. The themes depicted in Bakhtiari Veris motifs are based on the daily life and customs of the Bakhtiari people. The visual elements used in Veris are influenced by the weaver's taste and environment. Today, the motifs, techniques, and colors used in this art have changed due to lifestyle changes, material availability, and other factors. However, the practicality and aesthetics of the art can still be examined. Although the motifs designed in this hand-woven fabric do not affect the product's efficiency, the visual elements with their color and shapes add a special beauty and appeal to the work. It appears that all the components necessary for a piece to be considered an outstanding work of art are present in this practical and artistic fabric. The design principles are based on the style of visual arts, and all the necessary rules to achieve a visual structure have been implemented.
       To gain a deeper understanding of each work or image, it is necessary to analyze it from two perspectives: form and content. The content encompasses the artist's intention, the outcome, and the hidden meanings within the work. On the other hand, the form consists of the visual elements and qualities that shape the external structure of the artwork. Visual elements include points, lines, surfaces, and volumes, while visual qualities encompass texture, color, contrast, balance, and proportion, among others. Visual messages can be conveyed and interpreted in three different ways: representational, abstract, and symbolic.
       Veris, like other forms of art, reflects the artist's perception and depiction of nature and the surrounding environment. It combines various elements to create an elongated and narrow frame, resembling a rope. The principles of design, in general, are the artist's visual impressions, which are developed based on common patterns and cultural norms within a specific society. They aim to convey and understand the visual experiences and shared culture of human beings. The visual characteristics of Veris art include dominance, coherence, balance, symmetry, proportion, rhythm, and unity. These aspects are thoroughly examined in the article.
       Furthermore, Bakhtiari Veris can also be analyzed in terms of color. The natural and climatic environment of the Bakhtiari people, situated within the Yaylak and Kishlak of the Zagros mountain range, significantly influences their color choices and usage in daily life. Due to the diverse natural surroundings of the tribe, a wide range of colors can be observed in their living spaces, clothing, tents, and hand-woven works. The colors employed in Bakhtiari Veris reflect their aesthetic and artistic preferences, as well as their cultural style. These colors, prepared by the nomads themselves, exhibit a certain variety. However, in the past, there were limitations in the availability of colors, resulting in only a few specific colors being commonly used.

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