Bird and human-bird motifs in the glazed pottery of Raqqa

Problem definition: 

Raqqa pottery is a group of pottery belonging to the Ayyubid period in northern Syria. The examination of pottery discovered from this region indicates the creation of a mixed style in the adornments that is generally influenced by the local pottery called “ancient local pottery”. The bird motif, as one of the main ones in the Islamic art, accounts for a considerable part of the painted pottery of Raqqa in the 12th century during the reign of Ayyubids, which conform to the ideas of the Syrian artist more than other available motifs. This pattern is observed in three general forms, including a black shade on a turquoise background in combination with stylized plant motifs, volumetric and decorated on the gold-plated and enamel pottery, and individually with a basic and simple design type in the lakabi technique. Choosing the bird and human-bird motifs, the present article attempts to study the characteristics of these motifs in Raqqa glazed wares as a manifestation of the culture and art of the Ayyubid period.

The present study aims to know and recognize the culture and art of the Ayyubid period, as part of the Islamic culture.

This research has been conducted on a descriptive-analytical basis. The data were analyzed on a case-by-case basis and the information were collected through the library and the Internet.

Pottery artists have used three types of special looks in displaying the bird motif which include paying attention to the nature and its representation, symbolic look and combination of elements and beings with each other along with special presentation techniques, all of which have given a special meaning to Raqqa wares.