The land of Lorestan in the southwest of Iran has had favorable climatic conditions since the end of the Pleistocene period (the fourth geological period).
The presence of abundant water, sufficient food and plenty of fuel can be counted among the most important factors of human settlement in this region. From distant periods, signs of the settlement of human groups that have emerged with the blessing of these life-giving gifts have been discovered and studied on the banks of rivers, in shelters, or in the natural caves of Lorestan.
The oldest inhabited places in Lorestan (caves and shelters)
Hemian one and Hemian two - these two caves (shelter) inhabited and adjacent are located in a place called ((Chalgeh Shaleh)) in one of the valleys of the mountain range north of Kohdasht called ((Sarsorn)). Researchers attribute the habitation history and tools of Hemian 1 cave to the oldest Mousterian period (about 100,000 to 40,000 years BC), and based on the investigations carried out in Hemian 2 cave, the continuation of Hemian 1 culture is known. In Hamian Do cave, in addition to tools and evidence of habitation, paintings from later periods have been identified and studied on the body of the cave, these paintings have been attributed to human groups 17 to 15 thousand years ago.
Mirmlath Cave - This inhabited and engraved cave is located in the gorge of the same name in the northwest of the desert. Some of the paintings of the cave body and some works obtained from it are older than the Neolithic period (about 16,000 years to 11,000 years BC) and some other pictures and evidences are dated to the Neolithic period (about 10,500 years to 6,000 years BC). .m) they know about it.
In addition to the above ancient sites, evidences have been discovered and studied in the five caves of Khorram Abad Valley from the same period. These ancient places are located in the western and southern foothills of the valley and are located at a close distance from the hill and Falak El-Flak castle.
The five caves of Khorram Abad Valley
Kenji Cave - This cave is located in the southeast of Khorramabad Valley. The tools obtained from it belong to the oldest stage of hunting and food gathering period, which is Mousterian. Kenji Cave has been considered as one of the main residences of this period and its evidence indicates a continuous and extensive settlement in Zagros.
Gararjaneh Stone Shelter - This cave is located in the south of the city and Khorram Abad valley. The tools obtained from this shelter belong to two consecutive cultural periods, namely ((Mosterian) and ((Bradostin)). Studying the evidence obtained from it has shown a kind of evolution of tools and cultural sequence. This study phenomenon is extremely important in terms of understanding the continuity of tool making in Zagros.
Ghar Qamari - This cave is another ancient place and is located in the west of Khorram Abad city. Based on the evidence and tools studied, this cave was also inhabited by humans during the Mousterian period.
Caved - This cave is located on the southwest slope of the high peak and 7 kilometers southwest of Khorramabad city. The tools obtained from this cave belong to the Broadustine period (about 38,000 years to 200,000 years BC), but some types of tools belong to the late Mousterian period. These tools are the best signs of the evolution of tool making in the late Mousterian and early Bradostinian period. The existence of these tools from two cultural periods is one of the most valuable indicators to identify the evolutionary process of tool making in two stages of human life in Khorram Abad Valley. The extraordinary importance of this cave in terms of understanding the continuity of the cultures of Zagros is based on the evidence of the cave ((Gararjaneh)). The tools of both caves show the continuity of tool making in different stages.
Pasangar Rock Shelter - This cave or rock shelter is located in the southwest of Khorram Abad Valley. The tools obtained from this ancient place belong to two cultural periods (Bradostin) and Zarzin. Studying the tools of the Pasangar shelter is very important and valuable in terms of understanding the evolution of technology in two periods of the history of human life in Zagros. In addition, these studies have shown that the makers of microlites at this time started a new type of technology with complete skill and mastery, which later led to the small and highly skilled blades of the (((food production period)).
Therefore, the study of the tools of this shelter, in addition to the above valuable aspects, in terms of knowing the technique of making tools and proving the biological connection at the end of the Zarzi period (the end of the hunting and gathering period, which was probably accompanied by the storage of food, especially edible seeds) and evolutionary stages This tool has been very fruitful and beneficial in the next period which is called ((food production)). As a result, with thoughtful delay, we can understand that the cave ((Pasangar)) was probably on the verge of completing the natural cycle, planting and harvesting, and it was abandoned.
It is the optimal use of valuable experimental background and reliance on such a rich and deep-rooted culture that enabled the people of Zagros to switch to the use of edible seeds between 13 and 12 thousand years ago, and around 11 thousand years ago. They try to domesticate animals.
The results of the studies show that the inhabitants of the Middle Zagros, Lorestan, in the 9th millennium BC, in addition to having a livelihood based on agriculture and animal husbandry, were also familiar with the art of architecture, and by cutting and making clay from natural sediments, they built one-room houses with dimensions of 2 * They have built 2.5 meters. These constructions are the core of the formation of the first villages in the foothills. The discovery of metal (copper) by the people of Middle Zagros in the seventh millennium BC has opened a new horizon for the people of this part of Iran, and it is from this time that the evolving culture of these people finds the necessary speed and acceleration and in The fourth millennium BC reaches its peak by entering a new phase.
On the eve of the Metal Age, the tribes living in the central Zagros followed by the people of the same race who came down from the mountains and occupied the fertile plains (Susiana) or the rich plains of Mesopotamia through Chamchal (the western plains of Zagros). They gain considerable power and credibility.
The relationship between the people of Middle Zagros, who were called (Kassi) or (Kosi) and the people living in the progressive centers of the world at that time, especially Elam and Sumer, was a very decisive and close relationship. In addition to kinship and racial kinship, the deep-rooted cultural, political and economic ties between Kasians and the people of Ilam have been based on political solidarity and a kind of national-religious unity. The need to preserve this common historical identity has caused the Kosians to provide the Elamites with powerful fighting forces in decisive battles.Some texts have stated that in order to defend the territorial integrity, political independence and national-religious identity of the mountain country (Elam), which they themselves were subject to, they sometimes sent a force of about 13,000 archers with the help of the warriors of Elam. Such a powerful presence shoulder to shoulder with other fighters who have defended the dignity of a great nation and the sanctities and borders of a rich land, was not the beginning of the stubborn struggle of the people of Zagros in realizing these lofty goals, and no, it was the end of it, but a corner of clear company. and sincere, and their unrelenting efforts were and are with the other people of Iran to always bring admirable and proud authority and eternal independence, especially in the dark periods of the history of this land.
Lorestan bronzesmith
Researchers have long focused on the artistic and valuable creations, whose variety of motifs and admirable elegance is a sign of creativity, initiative and mastery of Zagros tool makers, under the title ((Lorestan's tools)) in the process of identification and investigation. are These amazing artistic masterpieces are the relic of the herdsman and farmer, rider and warrior tribe, which are called Kosi or ((Kasi)) and are among the old races of the region, that is, Asia.
Some people considers the true art of Iran to be the surviving art of this people, which, despite being influenced by the thoughts and imaginations of the past, shows all the pictorial issues of the desert people who live a similar life. Paying attention to this point guides us to the consistent and stable lawfulness that is crystallized in the art of Lorestan, this lawfulness that is a sign of scientific insight and accurate knowledge of the stable principles of life is hidden in the deep theme and special concepts of the broad and important themes of Lorestan art objects is ,concepts that include the various aspects of a nation's life without being influenced by the art of neighboring nations and nations, that is, the simple things that the entire life of this nation has been based on. In a very long time and as a result of continuous tool making, this art has gradually evolved and has reached such a remarkable growth that for many centuries it has been like a smooth and rich bed, inspiring the artists of this fertile land and the ups and downs of Iran's cultural currents have also affected the earth with The power of all regulation, and always in reviving the elements, has played its basic and fundamental role.
This high art, which is known as ((Lorestan art)) in the subject of knowledge of the art of the progressive people of the ancient world, is considered to be the birth of simple works that summarize several centuries of the material revolution of a nation of farmers and warriors, and slowly and quietly without participation and The foreign aid goes from the stone industry to the metal industry, until it reaches its peak in the fourth millennium BC, and despite the fact that this promotion, which leads to the creation of valuable bronze works, is still the result of a normal revolution. And they know local.
In examining and identifying and introducing the art of metalworking in Lorestan, the diversity of its main and essential aspects should not be overlooked, the first aspect is the appearance of metal objects, which is a manifestation of the power and capability of ((anonymous artists)), but it is a precious thing that is done with the utmost precision and Elegance, using an advanced technique and with an outstanding artistic mastery, they have presented beautiful images and eye-catching and stunning shapes that are a combination of all kinds of animals and plants.While presenting an object, they skillfully induce simplicity, clarity, deep feeling and intensity of mood along with it. Sometimes they distinguish themselves from the art of neighboring tribes by emphasizing the parts of some animals ((special art)). Another precious existence of Lorestan art is the transmission of ancestral art and traditions, the transmission of common religious concepts and themes, and in a word, the expression of laws that are admirable, pleasing, pleasing and pleasing to all tribes of horsemen and warriors, farmers and cattle breeders of the old world. It has been commendable.The technical points used in the making of these tools, such as observing the proportion in determining the gender, the way of making these various and countless tools and objects are other features of Lorestan art, which have always been accompanied by knowledge, precision and skill. The choice of materials also depended on observing the exact proportion in the combination of copper and tin. The requirement of this work was to master certain techniques, to know and to have a precise measuring tool.
There are many objects, devices and tools left by the wise artists of Zagros, which can be categorized under the following headings:
1- Weapons: dagger, sword, mace, shield, arrow, crossbow, axe, etc.
2- Equestrian equipment: regular bridle, ceremonial bridle, training mouth, halter, bell, ring, horse harness, etc.
3- Decorative items: necklaces, pendants, rings, earrings, hairpins, bracelets, waist flowers, armbands, buttons, mirrors, embossing and writing boards, etc.
4- Votive objects include: signs, charms, combined signs and many objects decorated with mythological motifs.
5- Utensils: serving items in ceremonies, drinking glasses, cups, sitols, etc.
6- Various tools such as rolling seals, parts of chariots, hammered metal for weapons, fesan handles and other various and used tools that have been remembered by these ancient people.
Manifestations of the culture of Lorestan people
The fertile land of Lorestan, which lies in the embrace of the suitable climate of the middle range of the Zagros Mountains, has always been considered one of the havens of refuge due to its rugged, mountainous, and impassable nature. For this reason, the various cultural manifestations of the people of this region are considered to have arisen from this delay and are in some way the interpretation of the natural Sunnis and ancestors.
The most important ceremonies in Lorestan are the customs and traditions related to weddings (sur) and mourning (sug or pors). Many outstanding and deeply meaningful traditions are manifested in this ceremony.
The wedding ceremony (sur) after preliminaries including: showing, weighing (serge), courtship (kikhai), betrothal (diari, desgironi) and hanabandan amid the exciting sound of serna (saz) and dahl, or fiddle (tal) and tonbak is set up Old and young, men and women, hand in hand, the circle of women and in harmony with local musicians, following an experienced dancer (Sarchopi), who performs in front of them, rejoice and dance.
The dancers (bazenehs) usually start the dance (game) with a heavy and slow song, and then in unison with the fast songs of Shane Shaki, two feet and three feet, creating an admirable passion that captivates every audience.
Wood dance (Chubazi) is one of the performance games that is performed in Bakhtiari's lorhai ceremony. The conjugation of Zang Zangeh, Balaborz, Bezeran in Leki dialect, Hiyole, Kochkele Shirazi, Duvatone and Sit Byarem in Lori dialect adds to the excitement of the ceremony.
The mourning ceremony (mourning or pors) begins with women and the mournful sound of sirens and dohls. The Bakhtiari elders set up a stone platform (koushk) next to the farm or house of the deceased and hold the ceremony (taz). Tushamals (native musicians) play next to or above (Kushk), Maqam Chevi and Dang Dal, and mourning women sing (Sero) in longing for a lost loved one.
In other places of Lorestan, women's ardent wives with the sad voice of Muye (Moor) evoke the appearance of mourning women in the Shahnameh. Killing a horse (decorating a horse) at the death of elders, sacrificing a sheep before the body, mass dancing Ra Ra and singing eloquent and melodious verses by men were among the ceremonies that were performed in the past, among most of the Toif Ler.
In Lorestan, Bazm is performed with the singing of Alhan Tetser, Arisane (Alidosti), Mirnorouzi, and Sari Khoani. And the trumpet of the tambur or fiddle, and the crystal or reed, add to the catchiness of the reed.
Battles used to start with the war song (Jang Raa), and the song (Sawar Hoveh) was played for the re-entry and return of horsemen during battle and flight.
Yaran festival is another famous festival of followers of Yaran from Noorabad and Baluran Kohdasht. This simultaneous celebration of the beginning of the month of Dima is held in the jamkhana with special rituals, with the sound of the tambur (Tamireh) and the voice of Kalam Khan (Kalam Vash).
The oral literature of the Ler tribes, because of their other traditions, is related to music. And it has a stable, alive and strong presence in their work and daily life.
Lai Lai (Lai Lai) is the softest and most affectionate tone that brings sweet sleep to the eyes of babies. Many other works are also done by observing (maqom or ra) that the song is suitable for that work.
Cultivation (ploughing, sowing, reaping) and especially threshing (Hole), riding, milking, musking, threshing rice, moving, etc., each one is accompanied by a pleasant sound and heartwarming verses that are songs of unknown lovers.
The hospitality of the long-term residents of Zagros is famous throughout the world, and following these historical teachings, the hospitality of the Ler people throughout the history of life is special and common. Warm reception of the guests is one of the praiseworthy traditions of Ler tribes. A friendly and uncontaminated treatment with every new arrival is considered one of the nurturing and sustainable values of life among these people. In the culture of the people of this country, a guest is a blessing to the house. Hospitable and generous people are described and called in the literature of Lorestan people with weighty words such as (sheriff), (cayman), (chest table), and sometimes (kiqbad) - which before this was Shahriari, a high-minded mountaineer.
Also, the emphasis on the preservation of this value from generation to generation, and the continuation of this high quality, has found very prominent manifestations and a very worthy place in the local literature:
((Tak Dai Weston Lamardan va Cho Noor Mavaro va Mehman))
(He was leaning on the black pillar of the tent in the men's place - and like a warm and illuminating aura of light rained on the guests)).
