Handicrafts of Balochistan

MAR 23

Posted by bolanvoice

By Razamia Nadir Ali, Turbat

Balochistan has a long tradition in the production of handicrafts. This tradition began centuries ago, and it is still progressing. Handicrafts from Balochistan are known all over the world for the beauty of their designs and for the richness of the color, and its economical prices. Besides being popular within the country, these handicrafts are being exported to various foreign countries where these are warmly received, especially by the people of the west.

Handicrafts skills in Balochistan and needle work of Balochistan are very attractive. This work is being done by the women and girls. The handicraft’s needle work is common all over the province of Balochistan. The women folk spend hours in doing the embroidery work as a means of earning for the family.

Needle-work in Balochistan is various designs and embroidery techniques which vary from place to place. Different areas of Balochistan are known for their distinctive designs. Dera Bugti is famous for ‘Kowchik’ stitching has its own pattern, which is embroidered on shawls and shirts for the women. It is famous and popular everywhere in Pakistan.

Kalat and Khuzdar districts are famous for their ‘Moshamka needle work.’ It involves stitch work in different colors. It may include the use of thing mirror work. Sibbi district is well known for her “Jok” needle work in which fine thread of various colors and shades is used. The “Jok” work is very popular all over the country.

The needle-work of on dress, cushions and bed sheets embroidered Balochi chapels of Balochistan are a special attraction for the people. Their beauty and artistic value is a matter of pride for those who put them on. Embroidered caps, purses and belts are also much in demand; large deposits of marble stone provided the material for the production of beautiful objects.  Marble table etc, ash-trays decoration pieces add to the glamour of the houses and offices. Crude marble is dug out in the Chaghi District of Balochistan.

Carpets and well-hangings of Balochistan are another source of attraction for everyone. Carpets form not only a special part of the setting in the tribal house holds, but the tradition has also won a place of popularity in the city homes. Balochi handicrafts are an important source of foreign exchange earnings for the country. Pottery and ornaments have always been the symbols of the development of civilization their Balochi ornaments; especially the silver ornaments show the skill and artistry of craftsmen. The handicrafts industry of Balochistan is encouraged and supported at the government level. It adds to the foreign exchange earnings in addition to providing jobs for thousands. The handicrafts also boost up the image of the country in international circles, because these reflect the artistic temperament of a nation.

Balochi Culture

Posted by: HistoryPak

Baloch culture is opposite to the general perception about it. Though Balochistan is an area of barren lands, deserts and mountains, the Baloch culture is full of traditions, arts and crafts. Balochi embroidery is one of the most popular arts and crafts which are done by the females. Baluchistan is also known for its tribes and festivals. Another distinct feature of Baloch culture is the storytelling tradition.  Poets and story tellers are highly respected in Baloch culture.

Tribes

The people belonging to Baloch tribe speak balochi language. Balochi language is an ancient language. Its roots are traced back to Iranian branch of Indo-European family.  It has resemblance with languages such as Sansikrat, Avesta, Old Persian and Phalavi, which now a days are said to be as dead languages. This tribe is further divided in to

•  Rind
•  Lashar
•  Marri
•  Jamot
• Ahmedzai
•  Bugti
• domki
•  Magsi
• Khosa
• Rakhashani
•  Dashti Umrani
•  Nosherwani
• Gichki
•  Buledi
•  Sanjarani
•  Khidai

The tribe has a head known as “sardar”, the sub divided tribes also have heads known as “Malik” or “Takari” or “Mir”. These tribe heads are members of districts and local Jirgas.

Marriages

In Baloch culture marriages are different and unique than in the other provinces of the country. The marriages are according to Islamic principles in presence of a Mullana along with the presence of witnesses. Every member of the family takes part in the marriage; they express their joy and happiness by following the traditions of their culture. Usually the marriages are done in young ages (teenage) but are arranged in early childhood or at birth. There is a very low or negligible ratio of love marriages as this is not appreciated across the culture in all tribes. Usually the marriages take place within tribes but at times intra tribal marriages are also conducted. Divorce rate is very low in the Baluchistan as compared to the other provinces of Pakistan because they consider is a matter of disrespect for the family and honor of the tribe. Different rituals are celebrated in different tribes. In some tribes there is a tradition of takings “Valver”, it is a sum of money paid by the groom to the family of the bride.

Dressing

Like all the other provinces of Pakistan the national dress shalwar kameez with distinct additions and modifications are worn in Baloch culture. The people dress up very pleasingly and in the same way in all the tribes. Turban is the common headwear of Bloch men along with wide loose shalwar along with knee-long shirts. Females dress consists of a shirt having a big pocket and embroidery and embedded round mirror work in front. A big Dupatta/ Chaddar is taken to cover the head and shoulders.

Festivals

Both religious and social festivals are celebrated by Baloch people. The religious festivals are same as across the country like Eid-ul-Azha and Eid-ul-Fiter. These religious festivals are celebrated by decorating houses wearing new dresses cooking special dishes. Baloch culture is full of many social festivals like Sibi festival which has folk music performance, cultural dances, handicrafts stalls, cattle shows and a number of other entertaining activities showing the colorful side of Baloch people. Buzkashi is another festival showing rather enhancing the bravery tactfulness and bravery of Baloch people. It is celebrated on horse-back by two teams that use their skills to snatch a goat from the each other.

Music

Baloch culture is rich in folk music dances and songs. Famous wedding songs of Baloch culture areNazenk and Salonk. The instruments used are mainly a flute, locally called Nal, Tamboora and Soroz. A common Baloch folk dance is known as Dochaap. Women also move in a circle clapping their hands on certain occasions. Other dances include the Lewa, Latti and Hambo.

Food

Usually Baloch people have meals in morning and evening. Men and women eat separately. Wheat, millet and rice are part of the Baloch meal. Meat is also an important part; “Sajji” is the favorite dish of most people. Sajji is the food eaten with knife other than that Baloch people usually eat with hands. Milk, butter and vegetables are also part of Baloch cuisine.

Sports

Popular games include chauk, and Ji. Also games like wrestling, horse racing, shooting and hunting pastimes among the wealthier people of tribes. Card games and gambling are also popular among groups of some tribes.

Forgotten treasures of Balochistan

By Saadia Qamar

Published: April 18, 2013

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Industry insiders feel the business is slowly dying as there are no buyers left. PHOTO: PUBLICITY

KARACHI: 

Mohammad Ibrahim Langou deals in gemstones while Haji Abdul Hanan Khilji collects antique coins. The vendor and antique collector from Quetta, respectively, recently came to Karachi and exhibited their collections at the International Gems and Jewellery Show Pakistan, which was held at the Pearl Continental hotel on Saturday. They shared their stories with The Express Tribune.

“Mining of gemstones has been happening for the past 100 to 150 years in this part of the world [Balochistan],” says Langou, who owns a shop called Balochistan Gems, Jewellery and Handicraft in Quetta. “However, things have changed drastically over the years; tribal houses govern the mines now and this field has become a difficult place for others to enter.”

This vendor has been in the business as a middleman for almost four years now. But he admits working conditions in Quetta are not hassle-free due to the current scenario and political instability. “Politics have gravely affected the business of mining and gemstones,” he says, with regret in his eyes. He says the industry has faced a blip, and that there are no profits or buyers.

Although Langou visits the Chaghai and Kharan belts — areas which are rich in gemstones such as Lapis Lazuli and Peridot — he feels the industry in Quetta, which was once frequented by tourists from the west as well as from the Far East, is dying,

Antique collector Khilji, who has passionately been collecting coins since he was a little boy, was also present at the exhibition. “Travelers from other parts of the world sell these off to me,” he says, talking about how he owns centuries old remnants. And yet while these coins depict heritage, there are no buyers. “There aren’t any buyers in such a political set-up but things are looking good in the near future. With elections, things might just change for the better,” he exclaims.

While speaking to The Express Tribune, Khilji — owner of a shop in Quetta called Saif Jewellers Ambers & Handicrafts — pointed out one of his most precious collectibles: a coin with British Queen Victoria. His collection also included relics which would take a person to another era altogether such as that of the Abbasids or that of Mehmood Ghaznavi.

He only gathers and displays select coins; he admits that he dreads traveling to the no-go areas of the Baloch region, calling the Bilour belt and Faryab region troublesome places to be seen in.

With almost 24 years to his journey, and about 200 pieces in his extensive collection, Khilji reveals that he will leave his inherited pieces to his children and would love to have them follow in his footsteps.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 19^th, 2013.                    

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