An Overview of Domestic Artifacts in Masulih’s Houses, Gilan, Iran

Abstract

The principal goal of this article is to study domestic artifacts in Masulih’s houses. This article points to the multidimensionality of domestic artifacts which can be categorized as being signifiers of research respondent’s beliefs and values, being part of the household’s social relations, and eliciting memories of the household. Research findings also highlight that some domestic artifacts have a life cycle and go through various phases in their life span. Qualitative research methods were used for data collection. Various extended field works were conducted in Masulih’s houses between 2008 and 2019. The principal techniques used for data collection were object interview, photo elicitation, and participant observation. The principal focus of interview sessions was on displayed objects and photographs in Masulih’s houses. During various interview sessions, respondents were asked to describe and narrate the stories of their domestic artifacts. Respondent narratives regarding their domestic artifacts highlight that the mentioned artifacts can be part of a complex web which mainly contains local inhabitants, houses, landscapes, memories, rituals, and values and beliefs. Furthermore, the study of domestic artifacts suggests that Masulih houses should not be considered solely as sites for the consumption of artifacts but places for the production of artifacts such as textiles. In this way, it can be said that local inhabitants are in constant connection with artifacts.