TRADITIONAL AFGHANI BURQA CHADOR BLUE UberKuchi

Auction for ONE (1) Traditional Afghani Burqa. You will receive the style & color shown in the photo. The full Afghani-style burqa, chadri or chador, covers the entire face except for a small region around the eyes which is covered by a concealing net. The wearer can see out, although peripheral vision is less than ideal. The face and eyes do not show through the burqa. Also, this type of burqa is commonly worn by Pashtun women in North West Pakistan near the Afghan border. It is frequently referred to as a shuttlecock burqa in Pakistan to differentiate it from other burqa styles and because of its resemblance to a badminton shuttlecock or birdie. Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Indian burqa may expose the face or eyes. The garment is usually sewn from several yards of light pleated fabric such as rayon, satin, or silk. Blue is a favorite color for burqa. The cap from which the pleated fabric hangs may be decorated with embroidery.

This style of  burqa or chadri was originally created by one of Afghanistan's rulers trying to stop anyone from seeing his wives' faces. He invented the chadri, which became a sign of upper class citizens. In later years a new government decreed that chadris weren't modern enough and banned them. The upper classes then gave the chadris to their servants. The chadris in those days were made out of hand woven silk and the mesh at the front was real lace.

Before the Taliban took power in Afghanistan, women infrequently wore the chadri in cities. While they were in power, the Taliban treatment of women required the wearing of a burqa in public. Today, it is not required under the present Afghan regime, but local warlords still enforce it in places like southern Afghanistan, Kandahar, and Helmand province. Burqa use in the remainder of Afghanistan is variable and it is gradually on the decline by Kabuli women. Because of political instability in the more remote provinces some women still choose to wear the burqa to protect themselves. 

SIZE: One size fits most. Burqa measures approximately 34 inches long in front by 28 inches across and 60 inches long in the back to bottom hem. Both measurements from top of head cap. Cap or crown measures approx 24 inches outside circumference. Will fit medium sized heads.  COLOR: BLUE. CONDITION: New condition. Hand made and imported from Islamabad, Pakistan. COMPOSITION: 100% Polyester. Hand washing recommended.

All of our Afghani tribal jewelry and Central Asian textiles are authentic. Our items have endured the ravages of travel, time, and especially war. Many of these pieces are not in perfect condition due to age and wear. Stones may be missing or glass chipped & threads worn on garments. We note obvious flaws in our listings.

Most tribal jewelry is costume jewelry composed of various alloys. Some alloys are better than others. Silver content ranges from 30% to 70% silver or less. Base metal alloys may contain quantities of copper, nickel, brass, silver, or other metals. Many of our items were made by displaced Afghanis. Thank you.

You pay, we ship. Buyer pays specified shipping costs. We combine shipping. We do not ship to Italy. If you don't pay within 7 days after auction ends or contact us with a payment commitment we relist item(s) and report non-paying bidders to eBay. Please see the Store Policies section of our eBay store or the About Me page for additional rants and raves.

The hijab is standard size 45" by 45" inch square Georgette fabric. It does not slip. It is long enough to wear in the traditional manner with both ends over the shoulders to the rear. The Niqab is 13" long by 12" wide, double layer Georgette.