Rare Antique Genuine Kafir Kalash Dress Tribal Kafirstan Afghan Pakistan Turkmen

Description: A genuine early 1900's Kafir Kalash tribal ceremonial dress from the Chitral northern mountainous areas of Pakistan. These dresses are used by the Kalash tribes people for special ceremonies. They have been handed down over decades and they are continuously repaired or have accessories added to them. The dress is very heavy and would look stunning hung on the wall or in a large frame !!! The dress has the most intricate embroidered appliques as well as hand contoured metal beads on the cuffs etc. The dress was bought from the Chitral region in the early 1990's and was very expensive even then as they are rare. Background to the Kalash Tribes The kalash tribes are one of the last few tribes remaining in the world with their millennia old beliefs and practices. They reside in the northern mountains of Pakistan in areas which are almost inaccessible. The term 'Kafir' and 'Kafiristan' mean Unbelievers and the Land of the Unbeliever respectively and are terms given to the Kalash by the Muslim peoples in the neighbouring ares. Rudyard Kipling alludes to them in the 'Man who would be King'. The tribe only number a few thousand and practice a form of Animism which is not easy for them in a country which is predominantly Muslim. The peoples of the Kalash are rumoured to have some links with the army of Alexander the Great but there is no real proof as such. The dress is in good antique condition. There are couple of areas where the colour has been lost and needs dyeing. From the outside it has been coloured in and could easily be repaired. The large chain has come loose from the stitching and could easily be stitched back on. Please note : Do not confuse this genuine antique with cheaper imitations or reproductions which are seen on the net !! Please look at all pictures and ask any questions before bidding

Price: 199 GBP

Location: Manchester

End Time: 2025-02-02T00:45:23.000Z

Shipping Cost: 62.57 GBP