Ancient Iranian Art and Celestial Observations: The Owl's Cosmic Connection

Recent archaeological discoveries in Western Asia, particularly from the Al-Ma'z al-Jably cave and associated ancient artifacts, are shedding new light on the profound relationship between early human artistic expression and celestial observations. These findings, dating primarily from before the Islamic era and attributed to the Iron Age in Iran (circa 1500-700 BC), suggest that ancient peoples possessed a sophisticated understanding of the cosmos, integrating it into their cultural narratives.

A recurring motif identified across disparate artistic traditions is the symbol of the owl. Researchers have found owl imagery on artifacts from Eastern Iran, including a bronze cave map from the period of 1500-700 BC, which depicts owls surrounding a female figure. This imagery has been linked to older phenomena, such as the 'Amr al-Ranaldi' phenomenon, suggesting a shared symbolic language among ancient cultures. The significance of the owl symbol is further evidenced by its appearance on Akhmeenid era artifacts (5th-4th centuries BC), reinforcing its role as an ancestral symbol.

Further evidence of celestial connections is found in drawings associated with the owl, which researchers strongly link to the moon and cosmic events. Similar depictions, featuring combinations of the moon, sun, and planets, have been unearthed at Iranian sites such as Bakun, Tel Hassar, and Susa. Stylized owls, circular patterns, and star-shaped carvings discovered in ancient caves underscore this connection to celestial occurrences. Beyond the owl, other animal and gazelle depictions on Akhmeenid artifacts also contribute to understanding the owl as a significant ancestral symbol.

The presence of owl imagery near the Euphrates River is interpreted as a symbol of interaction with the rainy season, suggesting that the owl's behavior may have served as a natural calendar for determining seasonal timings. Collectively, these findings highlight the symbolic importance of owls in ancient art, emphasizing their deep connection to fertility, the passage of time, and the broader cosmos. This intricate relationship reflects a profound understanding of the natural world and the universe among these ancient societies, demonstrating a worldview where the celestial realm was not merely observed but actively integrated into their cultural and artistic expressions.