Painted Bricks of Iranian Iron Age: Typology and Function

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Archeology, Faculty of Restoration, Isfahan Art University, Isfahan, Iran

2 University of Tehran, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Associate Professor, Department of Archeology

Abstract

Study of the architecture and architectural decorations is one of the basic tools of archaeologist for recognition of ancient cultures and societies. However, despite its importance as the prologue of Iranian architecture in historical period (Median and Persian architecture), the Iranian Iron age architecture has been studied less than it deserved. Painted bricks and tiles which are found in different regions of Iran Northwest, Luristan and central plateau in ancient archaeological sites such as Hasanlu, Qalaichi, Rabat, Baba Jan, Qoli Darvish, Sialk, Shamshirgah and Gholam Tape are among the significant elements of Iron Age architecture which our knowledge about them has grown considerably over the last few decades. The present article deals with descriptions of mentioned bricks and their typology. We try to show how much these bricks have been influenced by the art of neighboring nations. It also aims to indicate the function of these painted bricks or in better word the function of the buildings which has been decorated with the bricks. The research result suggest that these bricks can be divided into three distinct categories that is in consistence with triple political and geographical division of Iran during the first half of the first millennium B.C. The research also shows that despite the fact that these bricks have been influenced by the art of neighboring regions, they are indigenous and have been made by native artisans. It seems that the painted bricks of Iranian Iron Age are mostly used in religious buildings and temples of this time.

Keywords

Journal of Archaeological Studies

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 08 May 2021

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History

  • Receive Date: 31 May 2019
  • Revise Date: 21 January 2020
  • Accept Date: 21 January 2020

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