Abstract :
The present study was conducted in Bumburet valley of Kalash, District Chitral, Pakistan.
The key technique used for data collection was participant observation in which the
researcher lived in the community, observed and documented their cultural patterns as an
indicator of their traditional culture which includes religious songs, folklore, dress, art and
crafts, as a basis for identity. The basic purpose of the study was to understand the role and
significance of arts and architecture as a prime tool for establishing identity for the
conventional people of Kalash. The people of Kalash have managed to maintain their
identity through their unique arts and crafts. Tradition resists change and most often
remains unaltered in a static spatial arrangement. The changes which incorporate in Kalash
traditions may find their way through peripheral adjustments. The traditions in art and
crafts are scanty to find and the present artifacts does not throw any light on their origin.
The art and architecture available signify their unique ways, and tradition which is
definitely different from the other ethnic tribes in the shared geographical arrangement.
The Kalash ethnic identity has faced several challenges like colonization in the past and
modernization and technological advancement and conversion to Islam in the present. The
Kalash insist on keeping their self-identity as well as participating in modernity. They have
maintained their centuries old traditional culture, despite the fact of current globalization,
and modernization
Keyword :
arts, crafts, traditions, colours, symbols, civilization, museums, restaurants