Analytic study of the motifs and the possible origin of the appearance of Saroq skin rugs with symbolically approach

Iranian carpets belong to arts in which symbolism plays a significant role. Some carpets have special usage and features. Pictorial carpets are included in this category, which are mostly custom made and are not common carpets. These carpets are one of the interesting cases that became popular from the Qajar period, and in addition to aesthetic aspect, they have special importance from point of view of concepts and symbols. Sarouk in Central Province is one of regions that are famous for having high-quality carpets, and one type of these carpets is pictorial carpets with a dervish theme. Dervish carpets have a special use and were woven for several purposes, including honoring dervish leaders such as Noor Ali Shah, keeping alive dervish rituals and ceremonies, etc.; however, from this category, there are a few examples of carpets called skin rugs from Saruq, which are significantly different from other dervish carpets. These carpets, which are considered a subset of pictorial carpets, are among rarest species and can provide valuable information about prominent symbols, period and origin of their creation. The purpose of this research is analyzing the origin of the appearance of Saroq skin rugs and analyzing visual symbols presented in order to discover their connection with Sufism and Dervish rites and ceremonies. Therefore, the question is where possible origin of appearance of these rugs is and what is relationship between their pictorial symbols and dervish rituals? The research method is descriptive-analytic and data collection was carried out in a library, so according to Mircea Eliade's opinions, symbols in these rugs were discussed. The research community included all Saroq skin rugs, and despite of efforts of authors, only eight of these samples were found. By examining the examples in Iran and comparing them with similar cases in other cultures, results were obtained two origins, one in the Far East (India and Tibet) and in the Ottoman Empire, can be considered in appearance of skin rugs. Oriental origin is most probable. Because samples of Ottoman rugs are not exactly similar in appearance to samples that found in Sarouk, if it were so, samples should have been found in Tabriz and nearby areas. While Nizari Shiites of Anjedān, by choosing Sufi methods and attitudes, caused spread of Sufism in this region, and their relations with followers of this religion in eastern lands, especially India, created basis for presence of skins or skin rugs in this region. Also, usage of symbolic dervish motifs in this type of rugs can be an indication of ritual and symbolic use of Sarouk skin rugs in dervish ceremonies, which are more than a floor covering and are used as wall hangings. According to the research results, traces of common Hindu and Buddhist rituals in lands of India, Tibet and surrounding areas can be traced in this carpet.