Since the landscape in Afghanistan is predominately drab expanses of sand and rock, the Afghans love decoration. They deck their horses and camels with elaborate harness, brightly colored saddlebags and artfully woven blankets. Horse-drawn carriages in the cities sport pompons, tinkling bells, and fancy fly whisks. Buses and trucks are painted with gaudy scenic panels.
Women love jewelry and invest as much as possible in gold and silver trinkets. Nomad women sew precious gold embroidery and coins on their dresses, carrying their wealth about as adornment. Cosmetic decoration is commonplace, with both genders lining their eyes with kohl on festive occasions. Women prefer clothes of bright colors when they can afford them, with tie-dyed silks or Russian chintz in bold flowered patterns being favorites in the north. Male clothing is much more subdued, but it is not unusual to see a rugged tribesman carrying a flower or strolling along with one stuck in his rifle barrel. A wristwatch is a status symbol as well in the Afghan culture.
Source: Clifford, Mary Louise. The Land and Peoples of Afghanistan. New York: J.B. Lippincott.
Women love jewelry and invest as much as possible in gold and silver trinkets. Nomad women sew precious gold embroidery and coins on their dresses, carrying their wealth about as adornment. Cosmetic decoration is commonplace, with both genders lining their eyes with kohl on festive occasions. Women prefer clothes of bright colors when they can afford them, with tie-dyed silks or Russian chintz in bold flowered patterns being favorites in the north. Male clothing is much more subdued, but it is not unusual to see a rugged tribesman carrying a flower or strolling along with one stuck in his rifle barrel. A wristwatch is a status symbol as well in the Afghan culture.
Source: Clifford, Mary Louise. The Land and Peoples of Afghanistan. New York: J.B. Lippincott.
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