Quarterly Scientific-Research Goljaam

needs of traditional producers. The cooperatives have been formed in Iran three decades ago. Continuation of the economic and social activities of these cooperatives depends on analyzing the ongoing problems. In this study, rural hand-made carpet cooperatives of Hamadan have been investigated. The main objectives of the study include analysis of weaknesses, threats, strengths and opportunities of the cooperatives and analysis of the strategies for strengthening these cooperatives with respect to the results of the pathology. The statistical population of the study includes all members of carpet cooperatives of Hamadan (923 persons) who were selected according to Cochran’s formula and 90 carpet weavers were randomly selected as statistical sample. The most important instrument for data collection was questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by experts and its reliability was calculated using Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient (α=0.79). The analysis of SWOT was also used in this study. The results revealed that satisfaction of the design and new drawings for carpet that cooperative provide is their main strength, limitedness of the facilities of cooperative is their main weaknesses. Suitable position of Iranian carpet in the world is their important opportunity and carpet market volatility is the main threat of the cooperatives. At the end of the paper, four strategies have been offered.

Carpet is one of the oldest and most ancient traditional arts that in addition to satisfying practical needs, reflects beliefs, myths and other conceptions. These concepts are manifested in the context of rugs, with colorful and beautiful motifs informed by inspiration. In this paper, in addition to identification of animal motifs in the rural rugs of Hamadan, these motifs have been classified as quadrupeds, birds, and aquatic animals. Moreover, ritual - mythical roots of such motifs have been studied. Among animal motifs, some birds (falcon and peacock), some aquatic animals (fish and turtle and crab) and livestock (goat), all have the concept of blessing and fertility.