Semiotic analysis of geometric designs on tombstones in light of the category of popular culture

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD Student in Comparative and Analytical History of Islamic Art, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University , Tehran

2 Assistant professor of art research group, jihad university, Tehran, Iran,

3 Associate professor of theatre group, Central Tehran branch, Islamic Azad university, Tehran, Iran,

10.22034/scart.2025.140658.1460

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to reflect on the nature and components of the folk culture of Golestan province through a semiotic analysis of the geometric designs found on the tombstones of the region. Tombstones are a manifestation of the mythical beliefs, indigenous traditions, and historical customs of a region that find objective expression in the text of the folk culture of the people. These designs, as creations of the creative minds of the sculptors, reflect the cultural identity of the people and contain and carry established cultural and historical meanings and implications. The present study attempts to find a way to qualitatively recognize the myths, religious beliefs, cultural stereotypes, and common customs of the people of the Golestan region through a semiotic analysis of these designs. The results indicate that there is a deep connection between the geometric designs of the tombstones of the region and the historical culture and customs of the people. Beliefs, customs, and culture of the community are among the factors that have caused these tombstones and their designs to emerge and persist to this day.

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