KHUDABAD, an old capital of Sindh under the Kalhora rule, is a centre of the artists who are famous for the pottery making and the fascinating hair-cutting of animals, especially that of camels. The camel is a multipurpose animal, used in the area for purposes of breeding, transportation and nar, a traditional irrigation system.
The people of Khushik tribe, living near Khudabad are camel tenders and breeders. Their attachment to the camels can be seen in terms of the mesmerising designs made on the body of the camels that are captivatingly remarkable. The camel is so beautifully hair-cutted that it virtually looks like a piece of art. From a distance, it looks that a ralhi, patchwork applique, is placed on the camel. But when approached it, one stands still to thoroughly mull over the designs that are interestingly fashioned.
The practice of making patterns on camels is common in every nook and corner of Sindh. In summers, most of the people, hair-cut in such a way that it imparts an awe-inspiring look to the camel. To my surprise, when I first saw it, the whole body of the camel, including the neck and tail was skillfully patterned.
One of the residents of Khushik village, Qurban Khushik said that during the months of June and July, he along with two other men from the village who are also accomplished in the making designs on the body of camel, create floral designs on camels. However, not all camels are adorned with designs.
Camels that have more hair are opted for creating patterns, while others are decked out with colourful clothes and trappings. Qurban Khushik, an illustrious folk artist learnt his trade from his father. He said that when he was fourteen years old, he began to learn about hair-cutting the camel. His father was very celebrated due to the beautiful hair-cutting of the camels; people came from far and wide in order to get their camels hair-cut.
“Soon, he became famous in the art of creating remarkable designs on the camels. He made different motifs of peacock, palm date tree, a fighting scene between snake and the mongoose on the body of the camel; people greatly valued his work. Now he is too old to look after the camels and hair-cut them. Instead, he taught me to continue his work. But I could only make floral designs,” confesses Qurban Khushik.
Talking about the hair-cutting, he said “We first hair-cut camels skillfully to make patterns on. The patterns are made with the help of scissors. Afterwards, we pigment the patterns so that these must be visible from a distance. In three or four days, one man is decorating one camel with designs. People come in order to have their camels decorated; we do this without taking money. But we, mostly, entertain our relatives and friends”.
Qurban, further said that hair-cutting is also done in the several districts of Sindh. It exists in the talukas of Khipro in Sanghar, Sakrand in Nawabshah, Mehar in Dadu, Tando Mohammad Khan in Badin and others. In other parts of Sindh, camels are garlanded, bejewelled and bedecked tastefully and lavishly.
Apart from Sindh, the custom of making designs on the body of camel also exits in southern Punjab. While travelling in that area, one comes across many nomadic tribes along with their camels, that are attractively adorned with designs representing flowers animals and birds. Designs vary from person to person and from place to place.
Qurban Khushik while delineating about designs on the camel talked a lot about the trade. He spoke about several other tribes in Sindh that also made designs on the camel. He gave example of the Jaj cast of Jat tribe who are famous for the bedecking of their camels. They are very adept at producing appealing designs on the camels. Motifs made on camels denote the caste of the bearer or the owner.
According to Qurban Khushik, decorated camels are regarded as sign of status differentiation among nomadic tribes. In addition to Jaj tribe, Rabari tribe, followers of Jain religion, who are predominantly concentrated in the Nagarparkar tehsil of Mithi district, are also camel breeders and tenders and well-known for decorating their camels. Camel fairs and festivals are also held where people come to sell and buy camels. The camels are sumptuously decorated to attract the clients.
KHUDABAD, an old capital of Sindh under the Kalhora rule, is a centre of the artists who are famous for the pottery making and the fascinating hair-cutting of animals, especially that of camels. The camel is a multipurpose animal, used in the area for purposes of breeding, transportation and nar, a traditional irrigation system.
