Traditional dress

Traditional Clothing Practices of Women in

BaltistanSubmitted by:

Sarwat Halima HaiderDepartment of Textiles and Clothing (2014)

Research Supervisor:Dr. Samia Kalsoom

Co- Supervisor:

Dr. Bedar Bakht

1. INTRODUCTIONThroughout the record history, clothing along

with food and shelter has been recognized as one of primary need of mankind throughout the globe (Manlow, 2007).

Although different cultures have varying attitudes towards clothing, the same is true for different attitudes within a culture as well. They can vary from family to family and individuals to individual.

Gilgit-Baltistan is home to a number of diversified cultures, ethnic groups, languages and various backgrounds.

1. INTRODUCTIONThe traditional dress

worn by Balti women is of very unique style. The construction of the garment is very different and useful according to their environment.

The dress is stitch by the special women who know how to stitch the garments.

1.1 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Attire is most importantly an unmistakable mean of covering the body and has been known as the "second skin“. Clothing turns into a piece of the self-perception and the same worries that are attached to the body are regularly connected to apparel (Horn & Gurel, 1981).

Throughout history the surrounding world of man has impinged on to this mysterious land and left indelible impressions of its contacts on the people and their inaccessible habitat.


Northern areas (Gilgit Baltistan) of Pakistan have now opened new approaches to history. That is a world, no doubt, less known, but full of information”. (Dani, 1989).

The traditional Balti dress is color full mostly red, green and pink color, having silver or golden boundaries.

In Balti women dress there is a small opening on both elbows which are used to put out their hands for washing clothes and other purposes.

Traditional Balti Dress


For winter season special sweater RuguneGone (winter cloths) are used which are made up of wool or cotton. It is decorated with different handicrafts from the front side.


The custom of wearing (Nating) caps by the women members in the areas of Baltistan have a unique feature of its cultural heritage.

The piece of jewelry worn in the front is called “zewarat” which is made of Pure Silver.

“TUMAR” is used to cover the spherical Balti cap which is usually wear by the women of Baltistan.

The ornament which cover the

cap is called “TUMAR”

NATING (CAP)

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Now a days the traditional Balti dress is not popular among young generation only old women wear the traditional dress, this research is an attempt to explore and preserve the knowledge of the traditional clothing of Balti women.

In this research the researcher will describe/ keep a record of the traditional dress and ornaments worn by Balti women for upcoming generations.

This is the right time to keep the record as the old women are the only source of information.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY1. To observe and record the clothing practices

of Balti women in three different regions (Skardu, Khaplu & Shigar) of Baltistan.

2. To find out the similarities and differences in clothing practices of Balti women among three regions.

3. To know the construction methods of the Balti dress.

4. To know the materials used in making dress of Balti women.

5. To know the ornaments used by Balti women.

1.3 Significance of the Research Study

Baltistan is one of the beautiful and remote areas of Pakistan, but at a same time it is very rich in it’s culture.

The culture of Baltistan is very unique and has its own importance. Also, this is a study which will conduct at 8,700 feet above sea level, on highest land of Pakistan.

1.3 Significance of the Research Study

The traditional clothing of women in Baltistan has been vanished and after one generation the women who have the knowledge will expire, it is the right time to raise our pen on this topic so a record can be kept for our generations.

The nations who do not preserve their culture left no mark behind them for their up coming generation.

1.4 Delimitations of the Research Study

The study will be delimitated to:

1. Female age group above 50 years.

2. Data will be collected from three regions of Baltistan (Skardu, Khaplu & Shigar).

Key terms of Research StudyBaltistan: Presence in the North of PakistanPractice: The way people follow thingsCulture: Ccustoms and social behavior of a

particular people or society.Vanished: Disappear suddenly and

completely.Ornaments: Jewellery. Balti women: The women who live in

Baltistan.Traditional Clothing: Cloths worn by them.Ethnography: Culture study.

2. Time planS.no Activity Week Period1 Supervisor meeting 2 weeks 01 June to 15 June

2014 2 Formation of the

interview2 weeks 16 June to 30

June20143 Data collection 4 weeks 1 July to 30 July 20144 Interviews of women 4 weeks 1 Aug to 31 Aug

20145 Review of literature 12 weeks 1 sep to 30 Nov

2014 6 Data analysis &

interpretation4 weeks 1 Dec to 30 Dec

20147 Review the study 8 weeks 1 Jan to 30 Feb 20158 Compiling the study 10 weeks 1 March to 15 May

20159 Submission of the study 16 May 2015

3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Nature of the study

The study is Ethnography and exploratory in nature that is why qualitative method will use to achieve the objectives of this research.

3.2 Population of the study

The population for the study will comprise of old women age above 50 years who live in three different regions (Skardu, Shigar & Khaplu) of Baltistan and those women used to wear the Balti dress.

3.3 Sampling Design

Three areas (Skardu, Shigar & Khaplu) of Baltistan are selected for sampling. A sample of 30 old women above 50 years of age will be selected by non probability purposive sampling from these three regions. 10 women from each area will be selected.

3.4 Research Questions1. What are the clothing practices of Balti

women in three different regions (Skardu, Khaplu & Shigar) of Baltistan?

2. Is clothing practice of Balti women in 3 different regions (Skardu, Khaplu & Shigar) of Baltistan are different?

3. What are the construction methods of the Balti women dress?

4. Which materials are used in Balti women dress?

5. Which types of ornaments are used by Balti women?

3.5 InstrumentationThe researcher will take in depth

interview from the population for gaining access to individuals life world.

The interview will be semi structured by nature. A series of open end questions based on the topic areas will be asked by the sample.

Interpretive validity approach will be use, which is concern with the participant’s perspective.

3.5 InstrumentationThe researcher will also examine

the construction methods of the Balti women dress.

Photographs of garment and ornaments will be taken.

3.6 Data Collection Procedure

Data from internet and books will collect in record.

Information through interviews will be hand written and then added in to the record.

The open end nature of the questions defines the topic and also gives opportunities for interviewer and interviewee to explain the topic in detail.

3.6 Data Collection Procedure

The researcher will also examine the construction methods of the Balti women dress its different parts which are stitch together and also observe the difference in style between the three regions.

Photographs of garment and ornaments will add to give the evidence.

Field observation through photograph will also be provided.

3.7 Data Analysis TechniquesThe most widely recognized

analysis of qualitative research is observer impression. That is, researcher or observer examine the information decipher it through shaping an impression and report their impression in an organized and sometimes quantitative form.

3.7 Data Analysis TechniquesEvery interview / observation has

narrative aspects. The core activity in narrative analysis is to formulate stories presented by people in different contexts and based on their different experiences.

Data collected through the interviews will be analyzed qualitatively.

References Ameer, Saadullah (2002). Shumali Illaqa Jat: Eik Nazar. Nadir Printers, Gilgit. Creswell, J. W. (1994). Research Design: Qualitative and quantitative

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National Institute of Historical and Cultural Research. p. 414. Dani, Ahmad Hassan (2001). History of Northern Areas of Pakistan up to 2000

A.D. Sang-e-meel Publication, Lahore. Endreson, R. T. (1998). History, Folk lore and Culture of Gilgit Baltistan.

Oxford University Press, London. Erwin, M.D., Kinchen. L.A., & Peters.K.A. (1979). Clothing for Moderns. New

York. Macmillan. Frembegen, J. (1964). Ethnographical Field-Research on the History of the

Northern Areas. Oxford University Press, London. Gay LR. Educationa Research, ninth edition. Student Book Company, New

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structure and movement of the cultural meaning of consumer goods, Journal of Consumer ResearchVol. 13, No. 1 (Jun., 1986), pp. 71-84 Published by: The University of Chicago Press

References Ameer, Saadullah (2002). Shumali Illaqa Jat: Eik Nazar. Nadir Printers,

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Clothing and Textiles Research Journal July 2011 29: 216-231, first published on August 19, 2011

G.M. Mir, “Future of Gilgit and Baltistan”, Daily Nawai Waqt, Rawalpindi, October 19, 1982.

Hilali, Wahid Beig (1995). Hikayat-e-Baltistan. Baltistan Book Depot, Skardu. Hussainabadi, Yousaf (2003). Tareekh-e-Baltistan. Baltistan Book depot,

Skardu. Kefgen, M. & Specht, P. T. (1981). Individuality in clothing selection and

Personal Appearance; A Guide for consumer. (3rd ed). New York: Macmillan.

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Manlow, V.(2007). Designing Clothes: Culture and Organization of the Fashion Industry. New Brunswick. USA; Transaction.

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