Afghanistan Pastimes

Buzkashi

Buzkashi, which translates into “goat grabbing” is the national sport of Afghanistan It is played on horseback with two teams.

The object of the game is to get a headless animal carcass into your teams scoring area. Goat carcasses are normally used. The carcass is soaked for 24 hours before the game in cold water. This keep the animal in tact during the game.

Buzkashi is one of the most dangerous sports Injury’s go from broken noses up to shattered bones. In some cases even death. The players carry whips. They not only whip their own horses but other riders as well.

Horses have to go through 5 years of training before they can be used in the game. The riders also have to go though years of difficult training. The most talented players are over the age of 40.

Because of the high violence level, women are not allowed to watch.

Music

Afghan people are very musical people. They enjoy playing many different instruments and signing. The Taliban did not want Afghan people to play instruments, sing, or listen to music in public or private.

Main Traditional Instruments Harmonium Santur Chang Robab Drums Settar Dil Rubah Tanbur

Harmonium

Santur

Chang

Robab

Settar

Dil Rubah

Tanbur

Leather Craft

In Afghanistan leather craft is usually passed down from generation to generation. It plays a very important part in Afghanistan. It is used for bags, shoes, clothing, interior, and even shelter.

Leather craft is a way of life for some Afghans Leather craft is a way of life for some Afghans. They make their living off of it. Today there is more and more demand for hand made leather crafts from Afghanistan. It is becoming very popular all over the world.

Art

For over 5,000 years Afghanistan has been making and creating art that reflected the unique culture that they have. One of the most famous art eras was the Gandhara. It was held from the 1st to the 7th century. This era mostly revolved around Greco- Buddhist art

When the Taliban came into power, most of the art was destroyed or stolen. The Kabul museum was targeted the most. It was home to most of the Greco- Buddhist art. Today more effort and research is being put into finding out more about afghan art.

In 2004, 228 pieces were found under the presidential palace. These pieces included gold bowls, bronze and statues, painted glassware, and other decretive items. All these pieces ranged from 2200 BC to 200 AD

Kite Flying

In Afghanistan people have been flying kites for more then 100 years. It is a very common hobby and was considered an art in Afghanistan. When the Taliban took over, they banned afghans from kite flying.

The type of kites that they use are called fighter kites The type of kites that they use are called fighter kites. These kites can move up and down and side to side easily. They are called this because when you are competing against other kite flyers you have to try and make their kite fall by cutting the other kite. Kite cutting is when your kites strings cut the other kites strings.

It is an embarrassing situation when you lose It is an embarrassing situation when you lose. It becomes even more embarrassing if your competitor finds your fallen kite. Even though it seems like a harmless sport, it can be quite dangerous.

Some afghans have fallen off of roofs trying to catch free flying kites, or during competitions people sometimes get hit by out of control kites.

Works Cited http://www.afghanistan-culture.com/craft- leather.html http://www.persiancarpetguide.com/Oriental_Rug s/Afghanistan_Rugs/Guide_to_the_Rugs_and_Ca rpets_of_Afghanistan.htm http://main.uab.edu/Sites/DOE/ECR/discussionbo ok/archive/kiterunner/Afghanistan/

http://www.afghanistan-culture.com/ http://www.afghan-web.com/sports/buzkashi.html http://www.escapeartist.com/efam29/buzk.html