Minggu, 10 Maret 2013

Purposes For The Afghan Turban

By Anne Kelley


Many societies, religions and groups all around the world can identify their members by they way they sport specif symbols that represent their affiliation. Sometimes this can be a common style of tattoo, or a distinct hairstyle or most commonly, an easily recognizable article of clothing. The Afghan turban is one such item of attire that not only denotes a member of a particular community, but also lets others know something about him.

This covering has a very significant meaning in the country of Afghanistan because it is how others can tell who he is in the community. The Islamic government has a very strong presence and the distinct meaning of the turban and how it is to be worn is quite clear. The slight changes in detail such as the color and pattern are how one's status or profession are shown.

This style of headdress is very old and has been worn in the tribal areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan for centuries mainly by the Pashtun people of that region. They refer to the covering as a lungee in Pashtu, and as a pagree in Hindi as both languages are fluently spoken throughout the area. The construction of this article of clothing is very specific and easily recognizable.

This item is usually made from either a lightweight cotton material or from silk. It should be roughly a meter wide and cut to a length of at least five meters. It appears to quite heavy once it has been properly wound due to the bulk it presents, however it actually only weighs a few ounces at most.

The Afghan style of turban is rather distinctive in both its appearance and how it is placed upon the head. A small, snugly fitted round cap made of plain cotton material and free of ornamentation and brims is first placed over the skull. It serves the purpose of keeping one's hair under control and in place so that it does not interfere with the wrapping.

After donning the required skull cap, the cloth is wrapped around it in a very detailed pattern of twisting and folding. The final product will resemble a very full, heavy looking bowl around the head with the center still showing the cap beneath it. The ends of the fabric are to be hanging loose, one from the top of the hat and the other over the shoulder.

The color choices a man makes when making his lungee are of utmost importance because they are the main means by which is community status is announced. It is necessary to know whether he his a common citizen or whether he is a village or religious leader because certain positions hold a great deal of decision making power and influence in the life all the townspeople. They control everyday matters both personal and professional.

As a general rule, the Afghan turban is normally only worn in varied forms of black and white or striped patterns. The combination of these details are how one's position in the community is denoted. They coverings also serve the dual purpose of being elemental protection from the heat, cold, wind and rain.




About the Author:



Tidak ada komentar:

Posting Komentar