Golvani

“Golvani” is popular among women and men of the Lak tribe in Lorestan, Hamedan, Kermanshah and Ilam provinces. The word “Golvani” consists of:

• Gol, which refers to both flowers/plants and geometrical, plant and animal patterns. The second meaning of this word is used only among the Laki- speaking people and has no equivalent in other languages.

• “Vani”, which means tying.

Thus, Golvani is a piece of cloth decorated with geometric and plant motifs, which has been commonly used among the Lak people since the distant past. The importance of Golvani is so much that in addition to its practical aspects, it has become a symbol of honor, dignity, and elegance among the people of this tribe. Even some of the symbolic behaviors of the people of this tribe are affected by the value-oriented position of this particular item.

Based on its type, place of production, motifs, colors, and uses, Golvani is known by different names. It is so important to Lak people that they have mentioned it in their songs in which its importance, position, and respect among the people are stressed upon. Also, many couplets composed about Golvani have been passed down from one generation to the next, which are considered an important treasure of the oral culture of this people.

Types of Golvani

Red, blue, white, green, and brown are the most common designs are Golvani, which are printed on a black background. A color called “Laaki” (a shade of red) was obtained from the inner shell of the oak fruit or a small insect called “Laak” with which the Lak people used to dye cloths and call it “Laaki”. The Lak people living in Qazvin, Gilan, and Mazandaran still call their red headbands “Laaki”.

“Kolakhi” is another type of Golvani, which is more popular in Azarbaijan. A type of Golvani, which was known as “Daraei”, was mostly used by the wealthy brides of Yazd. There was also another Golvani named “Amiri”, which was produced in Kerman and was named after Amir Kabir, one of the important political and social figures of Iran in the 19th century, who during his tenure as the prime minister of the country, ordered this type of headband to be given as a present during celebrations.

The way of tying Golvani and the designs used by women are also related to their tradition, i.e. girls and young women usually use happier models and designs, and middle-aged women use simpler models and designs. Also, there are differences in the way of tying the Golvani among the different groups of the Lak tribe.

At times, Lak men, use Golvani as a handkerchief and sometimes it is tied around their felt hat. It is also not uncommon to use Golvani as a neck scarf or waistband. Tying a Golvani around the head or a hat is a sign of the privileged status of men. Also, when it is used as a neck scarf, it is a sign of personality and dignity.

The traditional methods of tying the Golvani among women and men of the Lak tribe was inscribed on the list of Iran’s intangible national heritage in the year 2018 AD.

Based on its type, place of production, motifs, colors, and uses, Golvani is known by different names. It is so important to Lak people that they have mentioned it in their songs in which its importance, position, and respect among the people are stressed upon.