Native Knowledge and Technology of Zilubafi1 in Kashan

Zilu is a flat heat resistance cotton rug, which was used in hot and dry parts around Iran’s Dasht-e Kavir like Yazd, Meybod, Ardakan, Ardestan, Kashan, and Semnan in order to protect places like Mosques, public and religious places, and houses from the heat. But these days the creation and usage rate of this native art is decreasing and only a few weavers are still in this business. Due to the lack of written research about Kashan’s Zilubafi, this study’s authors seek to find the reason behind this art’s declination through studying the history, tools and pre-production and production process of Zilubafi based on the statistical population of 10 people, consisting of 8 zilu weaver, one zilu salesman, and the head of Kashan’s ancient art center. This descriptive-analytical study shows that the art of Zilubafi is declining because of the city’s industrialization process, the establishment of different factories, especially spinning factories, and production and usage of factory produced carpets. Also, the high age of these weavers brings out the need to train new and young Zilu weavers. Saving this ancient and native art requires the cooperation of both governmental and private organizations