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.

Traditional Methods of Tying the Golvani

 In its simplest form, the Golvani is tied in a way that does not create much volume. In a style known as “Do-khelifi” or “Do-gerehi” (two-knot style), the Golvani is crossed into two knots above the forehead. Another style is called “Chahar-kelakhi” (four-knotted), in which four Golvanis are tied together to create a large headwrap that resembles a crown.

“Kaj-kelakhi” or “Sarvandar” refers to a method where the upper part of the Golvani tilts slightly to the left, giving it a more dignified appearance. “Sarvan-shor” is another tying technique. In the Laki dialect, shor means “hanging,” and as the name suggests, several Golvanis are tied together so they hang down from the back of the head, sometimes reaching close to the ground. Within the family setting, women tie the Golvani in the “Shel-o-Meil” style—loosely wrapped so that the ends fall freely around the neck.

The way the Golvani is tied and its decorative patterns also relate to a woman’s traditional status. Girls and young women usually choose brighter, more cheerful designs, while middle-aged women prefer simpler patterns. Tying techniques also vary among different clans of the Laki people.

Among Laki men, the Golvani is sometimes worn as a turban, and sometimes wrapped around a felt hat. It is also commonly used as a scarf or waist sash. Wrapping the Golvani around the head or hat is considered a sign of social distinction, and when worn as a scarf, it conveys dignity and refinement.

 National Registration of the Laki Golvani

"Traditional Methods of Tying the Golvani among Laki Women and Men" was officially registered in 2018 (1397 AH) on Iran’s National Heritage List.