Download - OATG. Oxford Asian Textile Group

PASHTUNS
10
An Insight into Pashtun clothing
We are all familiar with the flat hats from the North West Frontier region
of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Here Azra Nafees explains the intricacies
of the clothing worn by the Pashtun people in the
traditional areas of the region.
Dress is considered to be an important part of any culture, representing as it does the taste, the social
structure and the climatic needs of a particular region. Dress distinguishes one nation from
others and is an identity and symbol of pride. Fortunately, the Pashtuns who live in North-West
Pakistan and parts of Afghanistan have a beautiful and unique taste when it comes to fashion and
clothing.
Traditional Afghan clothing – in particular the afghan dress for women and the Perahan
Tunban or Partug Qamees for men - has become a very popular, fashionable and favourite dress
all around the World. Pashtun hats and waistcoats easily can be found in London markets.
However, the traditional names for these items are much less well-known and so in this article
I will endeavour to explain some of these beautiful items worn by men, women and children in
the main Pashtun areas.
Different designs of Perahan Tunban