Even through the Pushtu are Moslem, this dance has no religious significance. It is purely recreational. The Pushtu men act out a drama. A mountain giant is portrayed by a cross-like figure. This devil is attacked by a brave man, who is wounded, but eventually wins. Another actor in a mask also represents a Yeti or devil.
Films » Men's Dance
Men's Dance
Alternative Title: N/a
Series Title: Mountain Peoples of Central Asia
Summary:
Description:
Edited Film
Country/Location: Badakhstan (Northeastern Afghanistan)
Tribe or Group: Pushtu
Cinematographer: Hermann Schlenker
Production Company: IFF
Running Time: 11 min.
Decade Produced: 1960s
Years Distributed: -1969
Film Gauge: 16mm
Stock: Color Safety
Footage Count: 388'
Sound: Un-narrated, Native Music
Notes: Shot and edited before African Village Life films. IFF took Schlenker's footage and cut into 14 separate films. Schlenker owns OCN. There are 14 titles in the Mountain Peoples of Central Asia series: 10 were released first in 1969, 4 were released in 1972.
