The pictorial book has two sections. The first features photos of talismans and explanations of their meanings and numerological numbers, which are in conformity with their sacred names that were engraved on metals, drawn on deer skins and textiles, and sewn on clothes.
The second section features photos of objects bearing animal motifs that were used for psychotherapeutic purposes and as good luck charms.
Over two thirds of the book’s pictures are original photos of the objects and the rest are from books of geomancers and bibliomancers.
Tanavoli began his research for the book 30 years ago, when the last of the authentic geomancers and bibliomancers could still be found in every corner of Iran.
About sixty years ago, some Iranians used motifs, symbols, and numbers to create artworks similar to those of today’s graphic artists, he believes.
“They were Iran’s graphic artists of the time,” he noted in the preface of the book.
“The talismans have been presented in my book for the first time. There had been no discussion about the applications of these objects before. Iran was in the heat of ‘modernity’ so these things were considered cheap and people called them ‘a fistful of talismans and magic’,” he continued.
“Nothing remains of the rich culture, and the geomancers and bibliomancers have no substitute, although their tools still remain. These objects are a significant part of Iran’s visual arts and also bear the ambitions of the past. Many mothers resorted to these objects to cure their sick children. Many wives used the objects to avoid losing their husbands’ loyalty. Many lovers got help from them to connect with their sweethearts, and numerous businessmen earned large profits through reliance on such things.”
Tanavoli has authored several other books, including “The Tacheh of Chaharmahal”, “Rustic and Tribal Weaves from Varamin”, “The Sofreh of Kamo”, “Riding in Splendor: Horse and Camel”, and “Trappings from Tribal Iran”.
MMS/HG
END
MNA
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