Once numbered in the tens of thousands, the Kalasha have seen their numbers dwindle over the past century. With their light complexion and light colored eyes, the Kalasha are rumored to be the descendants of Alexander the Great’s army, which conquered the Hindu Kush along with “the known world” in the 4th century B.C. In Kalasha oral history, they are the children of "Salaxi," their name for Alexander.
The kupas, the headdress of the women, is a mark of Kalash identity. Covered with cowrie shells, it is an appeal for protection and fecundity. No women may go bare-headed, without the kupas or at least without the headdress support, the shushut, which is also decorated with cowrie shells, beads, bells, buttons and pompoms.
Chitral, Pakistan.
Chitral, Pakistan.
The kupas, the headdress of the women, is a mark of Kalash identity. Covered with cowrie shells, it is an appeal for protection and fecundity. No women may go bare-headed, without the kupas or at least without the headdress support, the shushut, which is also decorated with cowrie shells, beads, bells, buttons and pompoms.
Chitral, Pakistan.
Chitral, Pakistan.