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602 PASHAI
the higher parts of the valleys. They also grow various vegetables as well as
walnuts, mulberries and poppies. Herds consist primarily of goats, with some
sheep and cattle.
The divisions of labor in the more remote villages is similar to that found in
neighboring Nuristan; men are responsible for herding activities, while women
do all but the heaviest agricultural work. In villages at lower elevations, where
herding is not so important, this pattern is not found. There men are involved
in all aspects of crop cultivation.
Although social relationships based on patrilineal descent are recognized in
many Pashai-speaking communities, the political importance of patrilineal descent
groups varies. In Oygal, membership in such groups is not a factor in
political allegiances but does relate to the structure of village councils. Allegiances
in fights and feuds are more directly related to kinship reckoned through
both males and females. In the main Darra-i-Nur Valley patrilineal descent groups
appear to have more importance in determining political allegiances than they
do in the Ishpi Valley.
Political leadership among the Pashai is based on age, ability to mediate
disputes, reputation for honor and generosity. In general, Pashai leaders have
influence rather than authority. Although under the previous Mohammadzai government
there were village maliks, or "headmen," those who held these positions
lacked political authority; maliks functioned instead as intermediaries between
village members and government officials.
Authority is held by village councils consisting of representatives from patrilineal
kin groups. Council authority is typically limited to the regulation of the
agricultural cycle and distribution of irrigation water. In some instances, particular
village councils have formulated regulations limiting the cost of bridewealth,
betrothal, weddings and funerals, as well as setting rates for carpenters, blacksmiths
and barbers. However, councils are not involved in matters concerning
wrongs against individuals. Each person is responsible for enforcing his own
rights and avenging wrongs committed against him. The obligations of kinship,
marriage and friendship relations define political allegiances in instances where
individuals have been wronged.
Sometimes disputes between individuals and their allies are peacefully settled
with the aid of mediators. Until recently in the Darra-i-Nur Valley, particularly
serious disputes were sometimes mediated by influential leaders, who periodically
travelled from village to village for this purpose. Other times, however, disputes
cannot be settled without fighting and bloodshed, making feuds an important
part of Pashai life.
Pashai cultural values are related to the importance of the feud; masculinity
and honor are values pivotal to the cultural system. These values provide important
themes in many stories and songs, and men are careful to cultivate the
image of the proud warrior loyal to kin, dangerous to enemies and always ready
to engage in a feud when necessary. Every man carries at least a knife and learns
at an early age to be proficient with it. Many men own rifles and handguns, and