Iconography and iconology of the motif of the battle of the lion and the bull from Jiroft culture (3rd millennium BC)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of History , Faculty of Literature & Humanities, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

2 Researcher in Ancient History of Iran, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Department of History and Iranology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

10.22103/jic.2024.22821.1289

Abstract

Archaeological evidence carries hidden messages that are formed on the basis of the beliefs, faiths, rituals, religion, and cultures of a civilization. The art of ancient humans has remained for posterity in the form of cultural materials. Since the beginning of human creation, symbols have always played a significant role in all aspects of human collective life. The symbols drawn by man have been moving from primitive and raw forms to delicate images over time. In other words, symbols are a window to the thoughts and social life of past humans. On each of the remaining works, an image is evident that the modern man must be aware of these forms in order to understand and know the life of the people of the past. In this regard, iconographic and iconological studies lead to the reinterpretation of the true and hidden meaning in the depths of the works. Through iconographic studies, the various literary and mythological aspects of a work are analyzed in contrast, iconological studies, with the help of iconographic studies cultural backgrounds in the core of a civilization and reveals the true content of hidden symbols. One of the most important motifs left from Jiroft culture is the image of the battle between the lion and the bull. The aforementioned motif is clearly evident on various chlorite vessels of this civilization. The present study, based on library sources and descriptive-analytical methods, intends to examine the importance of this motif in the Jiroft culture through iconographical and iconological studies.

Keywords

References

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