A Survey of Snake role in Elam and Jiroft and its Image in the Zoroastrian Religion

The snake, well-known reptile, is an animal which is worth considering in the mythology of many tribes and nations in various forms. In Iran, a large part of designs is allocated to snake. Although the ancient people painted and carved the snake image on the artworks and reliefs, it seems that it has a certain meaning; symbolized something and connected with religion and beliefs. This point drew the researcher's attention to the application of the snake role in the remaining works of Elam and neighboring areas, such as Jiroft, and generally their differences with the Zoroastrian religion. The design of the snake in Elam reveals more than anything its connection with God, water, fertility and the other world, while in Jiroft we observe the design of interconnected, intertwined and closed loop snakes and even the strife between snakes and other animals. Afterwards, with the influence of Zoroastrian religion in Iran, this animal finds a new role which is completely different, so far as it is introduced as an evil creatures.