Ritual Architecture Structure and Function in Mazandaran: Saghanefars of Fereidunkenar, Mazandaran

The present paper aims to study the structure and function of Saghanefars in Mazandaran, according bibliographical studies, archaeological surveys and ethnographical data. Saghanefar is a two storey wooden structure that is mostly built in central parts of Mazandaran, after Abolfazl name. The authors study 6 available Saghanefarin Fereidunkenar that date to Qajar and 1st Pahlavi dynasty. The results indicate symbolic expressions in Saghanefar’s structure and decoration. Socially, its users are juveniles raised form of the structure is symbolically relevant to the age of the users whereas it is endowed to Abolfazl as the rightful owner. National and religious designs indicate the effects of shiit’s emotions and Iranian epical aspects in Saghanefars structures. The motifs are symbols of social life, subsistence economics, ritual approaches, and national identity of local people. Artists aimed to transfer national and religious messages symbolically to people, by putting the motifs together skillfully. T shows cultural integration and religious attitude of local people.