Qaleen / قالین

36.5000° N 72.4667° E

Harchin, Laspur Valley, Upper Chirtal

Altitude

7500m above sea level

Gender

44% male

52% female

2% trans

Population

1,625

Qaleen is traditionally made by women of Laspur Valley. They are presented as gifts and dowry. They are also used in houses. Women spend most of their day tending to their home, their children, their land and livestock.

Caregivers and mothers during the day, the women who weave carpets are locally known as the Qaleen Korak Aurat

Step 1

In spring, it is sheared using Seril

Step 2

Afer cleaning and washing the
wool, Dumake is used to soften
the wool.

Step 3

The second round involves
softening it with hands

Step 4

Wool is spun into thread by using
a wooden spindle called the
Chaatur Charman

Step 5

ALeak is used to make the
thread finer

Step 6

The thread is then dyed in bright
colors usinf totally available
sulfur-based pigments

Step 7

Qaleen Daaroo, the traditional loom
is assembled in the central space of the
house near the hearth and weaving begins.

Step 8

To weave is not taught, it is learnt
by watching mothers and grandmothers
weaving

when on the loom, at least 2 cups of chai,
stories and gossip go into the making
every night.

57

hours of
winter nights

Approximately

In Khowar (local language), they call the Qaleen a ‘Dhagay ki dewaar’ (wall of thread) as carpet making is a difficult task which is difficult to undertake and pass.