Includes bibliographical references (page 121) and index.
Contents:
Open sesame! The land of outlaws -- Disconcerting reading -- A letter as a key -- Journey to Harban. Where are you going? : who do you know there? -- Arrival in the fortified village -- The first day -- My new host -- On Narrow Paths. Morning ritual -- Through the fields to the river -- Encounters with craftsmen -- In the fortified village -- Hiking to the 'heavenly fortress' -- The story of the carpenter, Qalandar Shah -- A rose in the desert. The keeper of the shrine -- A sufi's years of apprenticeship -- No longer of this world -- The saint's nephew -- In the Men's House. Yusuf Jan and his friends -- Flowers, fragrances, and feathers -- Passion for hunting -- The dance of the peacock -- Alif's third leg -- A Harbani in Germany -- Blood Revenge. The fortified towers -- The shots -- The Feud -- The dead Shin woman -- Love, honour, and violence -- Afterword.
Summary:
In Pakistan, stubborn mountain tribes still lead a largely secluded life, preserving their archaic cultural traditions. Their distinctive features are Sunni Islam, strict gender segregation, a prevalent caste system, and frequent blood feuds already apparent in the layout of fortified villages with watchtowers. Jurgen Wasim Frembgen, renowned anthropologist, was one of the first to venture into the valley of Harban, a world hostile to outsiders, lying in the Gilgit-Baltistan region located in the Himalayas of North Pakistan, branching off from the east bank of the Indus River. The study was conducted over the course of several stays between 1989 and 1997. Enduring strains and dangers, Jurgen Wasim found a way to overcome the omnipresent mistrust. In this work of literary anthropology he narrates his experiences in sharing the daily life of a harsh, male-dominated society where he surprisingly discovers gentleness, poetry, and warm-hearted friendship -- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.