Les Lions en Pierre Sculptée chez les Bakhtiari: Description et significations de sculptures zoomorphes dans une société tribale du sud-ouest de l'Iran (The Anthropology of Persianate Societies)

Pedram Khosronejad's Lion Tombstones among Bakhtiari Pastoral Nomads in South West Iran is to be greatly welcomed. This study brings together anthropology, religion, popular culture, and history in its focus on Bakhtiari lion tombstones that have remained largely unknown, hence little studied and unappreciated for their importance. Lions have long figured in Iranian history, art, and myth and have been associated with rulership and power; with heroes--including mythical ones, such as Rustam, in Firdausi's epic, Shahnameh--hence with courage and valor; with religious leaders, such as the Imam 'Ali, who for the Shi'a was the rightful successor to the Prophet; or as steadfast guardians. In pre-Islamic Iran, the lion not only symbolized royal authority with all of its manifestations, but even life-giving water. The role of lions as symbols in popular culture, especially in terms of religion, have remained largely unexamined until this book.

G. R. GARTHWAITE, DARTMOUTH COLLEGE, HANOVER, NH
Jane and Raphael Bernstein Professor in Asian Studies, Emeritus & Professor of History, Emeritus