Carpet According to Ferdowsi's Shahnameh During Pishdadian and Kianian Dynasty

Hand-woven carpet is one of characteristics of Iranian identity which is worldwide known. Studying antiquity of carpet shows its connection with the myths of this country. This research will consider the carpet in Pishdadi and Kiyani era according to Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh in order to recognize and analyze its usage. Since carpet’s yarns are dissoluble and due to the lack of antique samples, the history of Iranian carpet should be reviewed in written sources. Therefore, current study will use Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh specifically as an important source of Iranian civilization for analyzing carpet during Pishdadi and Kiyani era. The method of this research for collecting data is library research based on descriptive –analytical approach. Findings of this research show that in addition to literal usage of carpet in Ferdowsi’s language, and indicating the process of carpet waving, there are seven usages for carpet during aforementioned period: wedding and feast ceremonies, funeral and mourning, gift and present, bride’s dowry, war spoil, trade and home property.