Thread by @ShehnilaZardari

This post is for the culture consultant of Ayi Ayi, Guddu Pakistani @emnpk

I can absolutely relate to the clothes, jewellery, houses, and tattoos. Brings back memories of my mother who had most of the silver jewelry shown in this video.

A thread

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Huss or Hassrri: this ornament was often given to women by her in laws on her wedding day. My mom wore that on her wedding and to every family wedding thereafter.

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Gold was not common during my grandmother's time. Duhri came much later but is now the most common ornament worn by Sindhi women on their big day. There is a key in her Duhri that reminds me of my grandma who had woven a necklace of keys & would wear it for safe keeping

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Chandan necklace is made of three such silver pieces. One dangles in the centre and two on each side. The same with only one such silver piece is called Taweeth.

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Another very common type of a silver necklace is called Kathmaal with a cylinderrical shape silver piece in the centre.

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5

My mother also had these two bangles called 'Baanhi'. They look like a pair of steel glasses when not worn. The design of these can vary. Some have peacocks and birds while some may have floral designs.

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6

Tattoos are not very common but I've seen some women during my childhood with tattoos. This art was specific to the "gurgula" tribe who would visit our village for selling stuff. Some women would ask them for tattoos. Grandma made scorpions on rillis inspired from their tattoos
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Ralli or Rilli is a traditional quilt and I saw my mother sewing rillis and still have some from my trousseau. Applique work (also called 'chaapa' ) requires excellent skills not just for sewing but cutting the fabric into a beautiful design as well.

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8

The Gajj: the first backless shirt I ever saw was was during my childhood. "Daadi Haatul" an old lady in our village used to wear gajj all the time & that had only few strands for tying at the back.

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9

The Gajj: the silver and gold Kalabaad work is very common in our side of the world. Often this kind of embroidery is done on wedding clothes.

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10

The bed and pillow covers: this embroidery is called "Katcha Barth" often used for bedding and scarves. Sindhis love colorful pompoms, from pillow covers to piano "Jhaalars"you can find them everywhere in the song

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11

The colorful fabric with floral designs is very popular in Sindh and is called "Cheent"

This fabric is favourite for casual wear.

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12

The clay art: my late mother could make all sort of toys and made a beautiful couple of camel complete with the embroidered saddle for my brother's school project. She also drew patterns on the kitchen stove.

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The mirror work on the walls: although not common among the Muslim families of our village but the neighbouring Hindu 'Oad' tribe still make these beautiful designs.

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The drawing of fish symbolises Sindhis belief that Jhule Lal was sitting on a Palla fish when he emerged from the waters of the mighty Indus. My grandmother used to make a necklace of fish bones to ward off evil ayes from young children.

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15

The dolphin: blind dolphin is indigenous to river Indus and is now an endangered species. The beautiful view of Indus dolphin along the Lab e Mehran (river bank) of Sukkur is a sight to behold.

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Musical instruments Chappri and Chung: although the sound of Chappri and Chung is not prominent in the song but reminds me of Taj Mastani and Jalal Chandio (the Micheal Jackson of Sindh). Both these instruments are indigenous to Sindh.

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17

Peacock is revered by Hindus and Muslims alike. Sindhi Muslims actually believe the "snake and peacock" story.

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Hand made jewellery made of glass beads: these wrist bands are called "Baanhi" but if the same bands are worn on upper arm then they are called " Paaonchaan". Paoonchaan usually have long tasselles that hang low. Also worn by Urmila in a movie but made of silver.
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Musaag for clean teeth and red lips: the female singer in the video has used Musaag (a teeth cleaning twig). This not only shines teeth but also reddens the gums. We usually distribute a small piece of Musaag among the attendees of a wedding after dinner.
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