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In the Upper Chitral region of Pakistan, communities in Harchin and Broke practice distinct craft traditions tied to their environment and daily life. In Broke, apricot wood is carved into musical instruments like the sitar, a craft now carried forward by only two artisans known as Sitar sauziyek. The sitar features in a local folktale […]
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In Broke, Laspur Valley, Upper Chitral, Pakistan, apricot trees are grown widely. The fruit is used in various forms, and the wood is carved into utensils and musical instruments, including the sitar. The carving is traditionally done by a few skilled men known as sitar sauziyek. The sitar is also central to local storytelling, such […]
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In Baleem, Laspur Valley, Pakistan, families rear yaks and use their wool to make ropes and tents. Yak hair is plucked once a year, typically by men, and spinning the wool into rope is often a collaborative family activity. Due to limited market availability, most families make their own ropes, which are valued for their […]
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In Laspur Valley, Upper Chitral, Pakistan women traditionally weave Qaleen carpets, often given as gifts or dowry and used in households. This craft, passed down through generations, is demanding and locally referred to as “Dhagay ki dewaar” (wall of thread). Carpet weavers are known as Qaleen Korak Aurat, reflecting their dual roles in domestic and […]
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This video documents the Lachka cap from Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir. Traditionally made by women, the Lachka was sent by the groom’s family to the bride’s family to formalise marriage alliances. It held cultural value as a symbol of dignity and identity, particularly among Gujjar and Bakerwal communities. Production has declined as the cap is […]
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This video presents an overview of khamta weaving, a traditional craft practiced in Rajjar, Charsadda, Pakistan. Khamta weaving has a long history in the region and is carried out in homes, where most families have one or two handlooms. While men historically managed the weaving, women have also contributed to the process due to the […]
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This video documents khamak embroidery, a traditional craft practiced in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Khamak is a detailed whitework embroidery created using geometric satin stitches on fine cotton or linen cloth. It was historically used to decorate floor-length shawls for men and burqas (head coverings) for women. Most Pashtun women learn khamak embroidery at a young age […]
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This video presents a brief overview of Gabba-making practices in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir. Gabbas are coarse, brightly embroidered carpets used for everyday purposes and are sometimes referred to as the “poor man’s carpet” in contrast to Qaleens. The production process is labour-intensive and time-consuming. Respect for tools used in crafting is observed through specific […]
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This video documents traditional craft practices in Harchin, Laspur Valley, Upper Chitral, Pakistan. It highlights the role of older women, particularly grandmothers, in spinning thread – a communal activity where one individual can produce enough thread for nearly four carpets in a single night. Livestock such as sheep, goats, and yaks are commonly reared by […]
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In this video, we explore the rich cultural heritage of rug weaving among nomadic communities in Afghanistan. Woven entirely by hand, these rugs are not sold but traded for essential goods. Their intricate patterns – passed down through generations of women – are thousands of years old, preserving ancestral knowledge and storytelling. These rugs serve […]