Man in red
An ancient fabric for warriors
Photos by Sadegh Tirafkan
November 7, 2000
The Iranian
Clothing is an important signifier of manhood in Iranian culture. The
long pronounced lowng - is an abstract version of costumes
inherited from the Ilamite civilization of ancient Iran.
The ancient costumes were knitted with fabrics made of gold and silk.
The bright red color of the long symbolizes blood -- blood shed
during wars and struggles against enemies.
Traditional Iranian wrestlers wear longs in Zoorkhanehs, or traditional
indoor wrestling arenas. The long is also regarded as a form of
Islamic covering for men. It is also used in public bathhouses to cover
a man's body.
In the collection below I have tried to convey the humanistic message
embedded in this beautiful fabric whose importance has been forgotten in
modern times.
Sadegh Tirafkan's latest photos will be on exhibit at the Seyhoun
Gallery in Tehran from November 12th through the 16th, 2000.
Click on images to see larger photos
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