Analysis of Meaning in Safavid Altar Rugs Based on Mieke Bal's Views

Since many scholars in the traditional arts believe in a single meaning, it seems less possible to realize the duplication of meaning in these arts. Because it is thought that these arts are designed based on specific principles, among these arts are altar rugs woven in the Safavid period. The previous research conducted by referring to the verbal signs in the rugs implied the devotional operation of these rugs. In these research works, using different components in rugs to achieve a fixed meaning has been emphasized. However, after examining the rugs, it was found that parts of the text were ignored to get the general meaning in reading some of the rugs. Now the question is, "How will the emphasis on these details affect reading the text?

The aim is to read the altar rugs and emphasize the marginalized details.

The rugs in this study are examined using a descriptive-analytical method, and the emphasis is on Mieke Bal's Views based on the navel of images.

Following the required examination and considering the views of Mieke Bal, one of the theorists who believe in the polysemous nature of art, it can be concluded that not all traditional arts can be taken for granted in general and fixed sense. In some traditional arts, such as the altar rugs of the Safavid period, researchers have neglected part of the text to achieve a fixed meaning. Therefore, since the emphasis on detail or even the presence of an unseen spot in the image by the audience can change the meaning, it is postponed in reading industrial, traditional, and even religious arts. The multiplicity of meaning can also be considered in the altar rugs.