Journal of Archaeological Studies

Abstract Among human productions, the art of pottery has significantly expressed the thoughts, ideas and mental creativity of human beings throughout history, among which, glazed pottery in the Islamic era with a special application has a special place. The function of Sphero-conical vessel has always been a controversial topic in the study of the Islamic temples of the middle Ages. The dispersion of the views presented along with the wide range of production and the limited historical range of the use of these containers is one of the factors that has contributed to the ambiguity in the functioning of these object. The main purpose of this article is to achieve the most logical hypotheses that have been presented so far. In this way, the most important assumptions that have been presented by researchers in about one hundred years ago were studied, among which were six major hypotheses: Fuqqa`a jar, mercury container, perfume flask, Laboratory containers, grenade and Vaporizer. According to the new evidence, it became clear that the hypothesis of the Fuqqa`a jar, first proposed by Abdullah Qouchani and Chahryar Adel, has a high degree of Accuracy. We used a descriptive-analytical method in this study and the library method in collecting information

Abstract The analyses and interpretations of archaeological findings and historical texts of the Sassanid period have not yielded satisfactory results in some cases despite extensive evidence. The plastered motifs of Bandian Fire Temple in Dargaz are still unknown despite many years of archaeological excavations and reports. Designed around the entrance hall, these motifs include images of hunting, battles of riders, victory (defeating the enemy), religious ceremonies, meetings of kings, coronation, and banquets. They actually reconstruct the story of the Hephthalites' invasion of Iran during the reign of Bahram V and their defeat by Iranians. However, some of the scenes and characters in this hall have not been analyzed and interpreted properly. By presenting well-documented evidence using historical and iconographical texts in the plastered motifs, this study evaluates and recognizes some of the scenes and images in order to provide a clearer picture of a historical narrative.