Regional Pashtun Jewelry 

Regional Pashtun Jewelry - Introduction

Regional Pashtun jewelry of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)  is known for its traditional intricate designs, heavy use of metal, and incorporation of vibrant colors. It reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Pashtun people. The names of the jewelry that are distinct to the region include, Bangrhi, Amail,  Gharhagay, Guluband,  Pazeebuna and many other.

Pashtun jewelry, as typically understood, features gold and silver-based jewelry with large, bold, and tribal designs, including earrings, necklaces, anklets, and bracelets, but may go by different names or be categorized by their materials and patterns.

Here are some key articles of traditional Pashtun jewelry:

Regional Pashtun Jewelry - Headpieces

Tikka (Forehead Ornament)

  • Pashtun: Larger and more prominent, often silver, with simple, bold tribal patterns. Pashtun Teeka can feature dangling chains or coins, adding weight and a rustic feel.
  • General South Asian: A small, delicate ornament worn at the center of the forehead, usually gold with a gemstone pendant. Common for formal occasions, the designs are intricate.
pashtun-gold-teekaPashtun Gold Teeka
pashtun-silver-teekaPashtun Silver Teeka
pashtun-teeka -with-coinsPashtun Teeka with Coins

Maatha Patti (Headpiece)

  • Pashtun: Typically larger, made of silver, with tribal designs. It may feature coins, bells, or other dangling elements, giving a more nomadic and bold appearance.
  • General South Asian: A broad headpiece with a central pendant, crafted in gold, often adorned with delicate filigree and gemstones. Symmetrical and elegant, this is worn to cover the forehead.
pashtun-maatha-patti-600x350Pashtun Maatha Patti
pashtun-tmatha-patti-with-coinsPashtun Maatha Patti with Coins
maatha-patti-600x350Pashtun Gold Maatha Patti

Jhoomar (Side Headpiece)

  • Pashtun: Less commonly used than in other regions, but when worn, Pashtun Jhoomars are usually silver and simpler, featuring tribal elements like coins or bells, with less emphasis on gemstone decoration.
  • General South Asian: Worn on the side of the head, this crescent-shaped ornament is made in gold and decorated with gemstones, pearls, and intricate designs.
pashtun-jhoomar-2ce-600x350Pashtun Jhoomar
pashtun-jhoomar-cePashtun Jhoomar
pashtun-jhoomar-600x350Pashtun Jhoomar

Regional Pashtun Jewelry - Earrings

Jhumkay and Other Earrings

  • Pashtun: Heavier and more rustic, typically silver with bold, simple designs. Pashtun earrings may include large hoops or dangling coins, reflecting tribal influences and often incorporating stones like turquoise or coral.
  • General South Asian: Large, bell-shaped earrings made from gold, adorned with pearls or gemstones, and designed with intricate floral or animal motifs. These are ornate and highly detailed.
pashtun-coin-earrings-eoptPashtun Earrings with Coins
pashtun-jhoomkay-3Pashtun Jhoomkay
pashtun-silver-earringsPashtun Silver Earrings

Regional Pashtun Jewelry - Nath or Nose ring

Nath (Nose Ring)

  • Pashtun: Larger, often made of silver, and may feature coins or dangling elements. Pashtun nose rings tend to have a rustic and tribal look, emphasizing boldness over intricacy.
  • General South Asian: A delicate nose ring, usually in gold, that can range from small to large. Some designs feature a chain connecting the nose ring to the ear, often adorned with pearls or gemstones.
pashtun-nosering-1-1024Pashtun Nosering
pashtun-nosering-2eec-opt-optPashtun Nosering
pashtun-nosering-3Pashtun Nosering

Regional Pashtun Jewelry - Necklaces

Haar (Necklace)

  • Pashtun: Larger and chunkier, often in silver, and featuring tribal designs. The necklaces may include coins, large pendants, or colorful stones like coral and turquoise, emphasizing boldness and cultural symbolism over fine detail.
  • General South Asian: Necklaces vary widely from delicate chokers to long, multi-layered designs, often made in gold and richly decorated with intricate patterns, pearls, and gemstones.


pashtun-silver-haar-coinsPashtun Silver Haar with Coins
pashtun-gulubandPashtun Guluband
pashtun-necklace-setPashtun Necklace Set

Regional Pashtun Jewelry - Hand Ornament

Dast Panja or Hath Panja:

  • Pashtun: More rustic and bold, often made from silver with simpler designs. Pashtun Dast Panja may include fewer chains and feature tribal engravings, emphasizing functionality and robustness over delicacy.

  • General South Asian: A hand adornment consisting of a central ring connected to a bracelet by delicate chains, often made in gold with intricate filigree and sometimes studded with gemstones.
dast-panja-1-opti-rePashtun Dast Panja
dast-panja-4Pashtun Gold Dast Panja
dast-panja-1Pashtun Gold Dast Panja

Regional Pashtun Jewelry - Bangles

Karra/Bangrhi

  • General South Asian: Bangles range from simple, thin gold bands to thick, heavily adorned ones. Often, women wear stacks of bangles, sometimes studded with gemstones or enameled designs.
  • Pashtun: Typically thicker and often made of silver. Pashtun bangles are less ornate, focusing on tribal and geometric patterns. They may also incorporate coins or bells and have a rugged, handcrafted appearance.These bracelets are typically crafted from silver and often feature intricate designs with geometric patterns, floral motifs, or detailed engravings that reflect the cultural heritage of the Pashtun people.
  • Bangles or Karay, called Bangrhi in Pashto, can vary in size, from slim bangles worn in multiples to larger, more prominent bracelets. They are an important part of Pashtun adornment and are often paired with other jewelry pieces like Paazeb (anklets) and Paicha (anklets), contributing to the full traditional attire. The craftsmanship of Banor highlights the artisanal skills of Baloch silversmiths.
pashtun-bangles-1Pashtun Gold Bangles
pashtun-bangles-3Pashtun Gold Bangles
pashtun-silver-bangles-3Pashtun Silver Bangles

Regional Pashtun Jewelry - Anklets

Payal (Anklets)

  • Pashtun: Anklets are heavier and more substantial, often made of silver. Pashtun anklets may include larger bells or coins, reflecting a more robust tribal style. The design is simpler, focusing on durability and boldness.
  • General South Asian: Anklets are often made of silver, delicate and intricately designed with small bells or charms that jingle when walking. They can be worn on both ankles, typically as a symbol of femininity and grace.
anklet-1Pashtun Anklets
anklet-2Pashtun Anklet
anklet-4Pashtun Anklet

Regional Pashtun Jewelry - Overall Distinctions:

  • Pashtun Jewelry: Bold, rustic, and tribal in nature, Pashtun jewelry is generally made from silver rather than gold and often incorporates coins, bells, and vibrant stones like turquoise and coral. The designs are less intricate but more substantial and reflect the nomadic, tribal lifestyle.
  • Pashtun jewelry tends to be practical and bold, reflecting the tribal culture and environment, whereas general South Asian jewelry is more focused on intricate artistry, detail, and ceremonial significance.
  • General South Asian Jewelry: More delicate, refined, and often made in gold with intricate designs. The jewelry is often adorned with pearls, gemstones, and filigree work, reflecting elegance, sophistication, and the opulence of South Asian cultural traditions.
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