Semiology the Animal Motifs on Medallion Fabrics during the Sasanian Era (Case Study: Ram, Boar, Lion, Deer and Elephant)

In a wide range of fabrics attributed to Sasanian era, animal motifs are observable in the form of geometric designs, including medallions. The case study in the present paper concerned animal motifs of Sassanid textiles with a focus on natural and non-domesticated animals that were able to be depicted in the form of a Medallion design alone and without the presence of a hunter. According to the surviving samples, most of the illustrated animals are defined as rams, boars, lions, deer and elephants. The question now is: What can be the reflection of the motifs of wild beasts frequently used on the Sassanid Medallion textures that had the chance to be depicted without the presence of hunters? The main purpose of the research was to attain the true meaning of each motif in the cultural and historical context of its era; because, throughout the Iranian history, different meanings are defined for each of these species, but it is only investigation in time periods that can distinguish each motif’s symbolic meaning from the others in a certain time spot. Accordingly, this paper deliberately examined five pieces of Medallion-designed Sassanid fabrics through a historical and descriptive analytical method and using library studies. The result showed that the mentioned animal motifs in every and each form, including rams, boars, lions, deer and elephants, all emphasize the symbolic meaning of the king’s power, strength, immortality, and dauntlessness. This is despite the fact that they are the most terrestrial creatures to which even other elements such as wings are not divinized or their symbolic values are not emphasized while interacting with the rider and predator. Indeed, as the design always superiors the motif, Medallion design was the guaranteed that the motifs affirmed the power, strength, and position of the monarchy, even though these motifs represent the most common instances of creation in their original and natural form.