Kalash women preparing bread on metal griddles.
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.
Funeral procession weaves below Rumbir village. The Kalash bury their dead.
Chitral, Pakistan.
Kalash girl from Rumbir village.
Most of the Kalash are pale skinned and some fair hair and blue eyes, all of which give rise to the usual legend that they are descended from the followers of Alexander the Great. Theyare called the Kafir Kalash (Kalash meaning black) because of their women's black robes.
Chitral, Pakistan.
Relatives of the deceased lament and weave their hands above the body so as to assist the soul to detach itself.
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.
Kalash girl from Rumbir village.
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.
Kalash girl.
Most of the Kalash are pale skinned and some fair hair and blue eyes, all of which give rise to the usual legend that they are descended from the followers of Alexander the Great. Theyare called the Kafir Kalash (Kalash meaning black) because of their women's black robes.
Chitral, Pakistan.
Kalash woman braiding her hair.
They are called the Kafir Kalash (Kalash meaning black) because of their women's black robes.
Chitral, Pakistan.
Relatives of the deceased lament and weave their hands above the body so as to assist the soul to detach itself.
Chitral, Pakistan.
Relatives of the deceased lament and weave their hands above the body so as to assist the soul to detach itself.
Chitral, Pakistan.
Relatives of the deceased lament and weave their hands above the body so as to assist the soul to detach itself.
Chitral, Pakistan.
See photo in original gallery.