Qualitative Analysis of Making Traditional Costumes, Weaving Crafts and Wood Sculptures - The Cultural identity of Kalash Valley

Abstract

Cultures diversity represents the unique mindset and structure of human life. Various customs, traditions social dogmas and livelihoods trends weave the pattern of human activities. Kafiristan is one of such community that lays in valleys of Kalash in Chitral district in northern Pakistan. The inhabitants of Kalash valley practice their own peculiar religion, customs and that are reflected through their art of making traditional costumes, weaving Crafts and wood sculptures. All features of their traditions art making and customs are incomplete without each other. There is still a constant resistance against any social change and the inhabitants are trying to maintain and preserve their indigenous cultural identity. This paper is based on qualitative analysis with focuses on exploration of the distinct and intertwined features of making and using traditional costumes, weaving crafts and wood sculptures as cultural identity of the Kalash.