Qualitative Study in Role and Position of Artistic Families in Kerman Carpet With Emphasis on Shahrokhi Family

Artistic guild systems can be considered as one of the most important factors in the formation and survival of traditional arts, that is the continuation of the system of master and apprenticeship. In structure of traditional arts, artistic families are one of the components of these guild systems. Hence, we could to consider artistic families as a potential for the preservation and excellence of traditional arts. If we have a passing overview to artistic families, it will be clear that many artistic experiences and secrets pass from one generation to the next. Kerman can be considered as one of the cultural regions in the southeast of Iran from the millennia; therefore, the contexts for the growth of traditional arts has been provided in this cultural ecosystem throughout history. The rug and carpet waving is one of the most important traditional arts in Kerman. An important part of the cultural tradition of Kerman carpet is dependent on the dynamics and richness of artistic families and among the numerous artistic families in history of Kerman’s carpet, Shahrokhi's family has a significant position. In this research, the main purpose is to answer this question: what is the role and position of artistic families in Kerman carpet with emphasis on Shahrokhi's family? Therefore, ‌in order to achieve the main goals of the research, qualitative research method (interpretive) has been used and the data of this research have been gathered by documentary and field method (interview and observation). The results of this study have been derived from the conventional content analysis of informal interviews with 10 informed individuals in this field. One of the most important results of this research is that the artistic families are cultural-socio-economic capacities that can boost the cultural and artistic levels of handmade carpet in Kerman. In addition, the strengthening of artistic families will strengthen the cultural values and identity of the community. The role and position of the Shahrokhi family artists in society of Kerman carpet is dependent on value systems and cultural field. In this field, economic and cultural capital causes changes in the social degree of artists and changes social degrees shape the dynamic position of them in the cultural systems. The role of artists also depends on their positions; therefore, degree, position and role are three components that are continuous and related to each other in relation to the role and position of the Shahrokhi family artists.