Afghanistan

The Block

Cross-stitched by Gul Ferotan, this block, features a miniature carpet as its centre. Carpets are a central part of daily life as people gather to socialize, learn and share meals on them. Fine examples of Afghan carpets in the home of Gul and Ghulam Ferotan provide a comforting reminder of their heritage. In Afghanistan, such hand-woven carpets are created mostly at home, forming one of the most economically significant industries in Afghanistan. The dense stylized designs worked in traditional colours, are characteristic of Afghan art designs which do not include any human or animal representations. The cross-stitched flowers framing the carpet imitate the rug pattern and illustrate the close link between the motifs and colours of Afghan embroidery, rug making and other textile arts. At each corner, the block-makers have stitched a Gul, a stylized flower design prevalent in carpet designs. Embroidery is incorporated into clothing, bridal trousseaux and household articles.

Cultural Profile

Afghanistan is a mountainous, landlocked country in south-central Asia and is known as a crossroads between East and West. The country’s varied ethnic groups include the Pashtuns who make up nearly two-fifths of the population. Many are farmers or nomads. Male members live by a pre-Islamic tribal code called Pashtunwal, which emphasizes courage, personal honour, resolution, self-reliance and hospitality. The second largest ethnic group is the Tajiks. Most are farmers, artisans and merchants living in the valleys of Afghanistan. Traditionally both men and women wear long, cotton shirts over baggy pants. Men also wear turbans, indicating tribal identity by the manner in which their head gear is tied. Some women continue to wear the chaderi, known as the burka, a body veil that conceals all but their eyes. The official languages are Pashto and Dari, although there are approximately 30 minority languages spoken as well.

The close-knit family is the mainstay of Afghan society. Emphasis is placed on family honour, pride, and respect towards other members. Belonging to a larger group is especially important for Pashtuns, who are organized into over 60 large tribes to protect their members. Afghan culture is influenced by the country’s ancient roots and its neighbouring countries. It is characterized by traditional pastimes and arts including fine gold and silver jewellery, calligraphy, decorative embroidery, metal and leatherwork, and hand-woven carpets. Afghanistan is also known for the colourful clay tiles decorating many of its public building and mosques. The renowned mosque of Mazar-e Sharif, meaning ‘Blue Mosque’, is covered in glazed tiles made of lapis lazuli, a blue semi-precious stone found primarily in Afghanistan.

The age-old practice of telling folktales through music and the spoken word is a highly developed art form used to teach time-honoured values, beliefs and behaviours. Wit in speech is very important to Afghans, who also use proverbs extensively in their conversation. Afghan music consists mainly of folk songs, ballads and dancing which includes the national dance, the atan. The most important instruments are the rabab, a short-necked lute that is played by plucking the three strings, and the zerbaghali, a clay drum.

Decades of war have caused millions of Afghans to leave their homes and small numbers of refugees and immigrants have been coming to Canada since the 1980s. They have settled mainly in the Toronto area, Québec and British Columbia. As of 2011, there were over 62,000 people of Afghan ancestry living in Canada.