Homa Delvaray’s Kolsum-Naneh is a modern reinterpretation of the Aqa’id al-Nisa’, a satirical work written in the seventeenth century by the progressive Iranian cleric Aqa Jamal Khansari. While Khansari’s original text aimed to challenge superstition and criticize the misguidance of certain religious clerics, Delvaray’s adaptation explores the enduring nature of popular beliefs, long-held customs, and quasi-religious teachings in Iranian culture largely preserved through oral tradition.
The artist chose the format of the safineh, an oblong manuscript generally comprising anthologies of lyric Persian poetry, which was popular at the time the Aqa’id al-Nisa’ was composed, while she used the classical Persian nasta‘liq script for the text, adding to the historicism of her work. Delvaray’s safineh is structured into seven chapters, narrated by five superstitious women, including Kolsum-Naneh, who seek to educate young girls. As was customary, these old wives’ tales on topics such as marriage, consummation, and childbirth, often were imparted while women engaged in traditional crafts. Reflecting this custom, Delvaray has created a manuscript using traditional needlework techniques like patchwork, quilting, and embroidery.
2024
