1
M.A. in Art Research, Lecturer at Technical and Vocational University
2
PH.D, Professor, Art University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Ethnic culture is a set of customs, traditions, beliefs and thoughts that belong to an ethnic group. One method for preservation and dissemination of culture is its entrance into the artistic issues whether decorative or applied. Through the analysis of the most important constituent visual elements of a work of art, i.e. form and color, one can recognize a lot about its creator`s beliefs, and the culture of that society. This paper is conducted using analytic-descriptive method and explores and studies the Turkmen needlework designs in Gonbad Kavoos city. Data is collected using field research and published material. The data analysis method is qualitative. The aim of conducting and presenting this paper is to identify the patterns in Turkmen needlework, their origin, their concepts or possible applications, and thus it endeavors to open a window into the thoughts and opinions of the ancients of this people. The results of studying 100 samples indicate that form, color, and the way motifs are composed may be categorized in four groups of animals, elements of nature and surrounding environment, thoughts and beliefs, tools and implements of war. The forms of some of the motifs are derived from the beliefs of this people’s ancestors and others are impressions of creatures and objects surrounding them.
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