Investigation and Study of the Mythological Role of the Tree of Life in Qashqai Rugs

Ravanjoo, Ahad; Ghaedibardiee, Razyeh

doi:10.22034/hgj.2026.550945.1050

Investigation and Study of the Mythological Role of the Tree of Life in Qashqai Rugs

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Ahad Ravanjoo ¹

Razyeh Ghaedibardiee ²

¹ Assistant Professor, Department of Graphic Arts, Shushtar Faculty of Art, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

² Master's Student in Art Research, Shushtar Faculty of Art, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

10.22034/hgj.2026.550945.1050

Abstract

The role of the Tree of Life among many ancient peoples has been sacred, as a symbol of life, immortality, and reverence. It is a sign of an evergreen tree that bears eternal and immortal fruits. The belief in ancient Iranian civilization, stemming from paradise and in praise of the Tree of Life, the tree of good and evil in paradise, led to the creation and depiction of the sacred tree on garden carpets and handicraft designs that depicted motifs of trees such as flowering trees, cypresses, willows, vines, etc. Based on such interpretations, the present qualitative research aims to identify the concepts of the symbolic and mythological motif of the Tree of Life on handicrafts, including Qashqai carpets, by using a descriptive-analytical method and using library resources and reputable scientific articles to introduce the sacred plant (Tree of Life) on these carpets and decorative motifs in other arts. The results of the research indicate that the symbol of the Tree of Life, whose fruits grant immortality, is considered one of the immortal motifs that is at the center of the world of Iranian mythology. The Tree of Life sometimes appears with other tree patterns and is a representation of the Garden of Eden, and sometimes it is woven as a single tree in the center of the rug. This symbol in carpets is a reminder of Zoroastrian myths and the concepts of blessing and fertility. Another reason for depicting this symbol on Iranian handicrafts, carpets, and rugs is the desire for heaven.

Keywords

Tree of life

Persian garden

myth

symbolic motif

Qashqai carpet

Subjects

Theoretical studies of art

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