DocZow. Intergenerational transmission of silk weaving through the intangible cultural heritage of Zoroastrian women

Lecture by Azadeh Pashootanizadeh.

Abstract

In this presentation, I intend to introduce you to the ideas and factors that play an important role in my project.

DocZow is investigating Zoroastrian women’s silk weaving and creating a glossary in the Zoroastrian language (Dari Behdini) and in English, which includes all aspects of terminology and the intergenerational transmission of silk weaving techniques.

The main policy of DocZow is based on the oral traditions and literature of Zoroastrian women, and in addition to silk and its secrets, it is related to the different characteristics of silk weavers and their audience as human beings. For this reason, this project has broad aspects, the most important of which are:

• Zoroastrian religion and culture

Due to the importance of purity in Zoroastrianism, raising silkworms and adding dye to them was considered religious transgressions and spreading pollution. On the other hand, Zoroastrian texts introduce Satan as the first teacher of sericulture; but these obstacles could not prevent the spread of silk weaving by female silk weavers.

• Oral literature and tradition

The Zoroastrian language (Dari Behdini) is used as a means of intergenerational transmission, and silk weaving techniques are transmitted through oral literature using puppet theatre.

• Cultural economy and Sociocultural anthropology

Allocating a part of the income obtained from the sale of silk products for the sake of education and intergenerational transmission, dissemination and marketing of silk weaving by Zoroastrian women led to the transformation of their homes into educational and business environments. In this regard, it created a special type of cultural economy in Zoroastrian societies, which was dominated by female silk weavers.