People Galleries

Headgear of Pakistan : My good friend, Mazhar ul Islam, one of Pakistan's most admired writers is also the Director of the National Folk Heritage Institute (Lok Virsa). A year ago or so he asked me to write an article on the headgear of Pakistan, which anyone who has been in that country knows, is wonderfully diverse. I've yet to write the article but these are some pictures from my collection that serve as an introduction to the subject. Why such a gallery? Headgear? of Pakistan? Well there are several reasons. First, just the sheer variety (which is sadly NOT done justice in this collection). Second, having something on your head, be it a hat, a skullcap, a turban or just a piece of cloth is very important to Pakistani men. And not just in rural areas, where you might expect this to be the case. In cities and towns having a covering on your head is almost de rigeur. In large part this is about the essence of Islam, which means 'submission'. A manifestation of the inherent humility of the creature before the Creator. But also, Pakistan is home to one of most vibrant folk cultures in the world. Men use headgear as part of their identity and self expression, just as men in West might with their ties or T-shirts. This will be an ongoing project. But in the meantime, Mazhar sahib, maaf kare, ke ab tak aap ka hukum pura nahi hua!

Headgear of Pakistan

My good friend, Mazhar ul Islam, one of Pakistan's most admired writers is also the Director of the National Folk Heritage Institute (Lok Virsa). A year ago or so he asked me to write an article on the headgear of Pakistan, which anyone who has been in that country knows, is wonderfully diverse. I've yet to write the article but these are ...

Updated: Sep 04, 2007 7:00am PST

Archetypes : One of my favorite sort of books are those from the British Raj that purported to illustrate the 'castes' of India. Water colour paintings of Indians in their 'typical costumes' were presented as if every person of that particular occupation or caste was easily identifable and identical across all regions of India. However lacking in nuance they might have been, I have unconsciously been drawn to their archetypal quality and pretension. This is a gallery of photos that somehow updates that now out-moded concept of social categorization. What I like about many of these images is the pride with which the sitter poses (when not caught candidly). They are confident and comfortable with their profession, 'caste' or inherited (perhaps even chosen) lot in life.

Archetypes

One of my favorite sort of books are those from the British Raj that purported to illustrate the 'castes' of India. Water colour paintings of Indians in their 'typical costumes' were presented as if every person of that particular occupation or caste was easily identifable and identical across all regions of India. However lacking in nua ...

Updated: Sep 24, 2007 4:27am PST