Rensselaer Republican, Volume 12, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 June 1880 — Afghan Fashions. [ARTICLE]

Afghan Fashions.

The dress of the Afghan women, especially those whose husbands have rank or wealth, is extremely picturesque. A short, tightly-fitting bodice of green, blue or crimson silk confines the bust, but buttons up ao closely at the throat that nne can only guess at the proportions of shoulders and bosom. The bodice is generally embroidered with gold and then becomes so stiff that it is virtually a corset. In cold weather the short sleeves of the sari art continued down to the wrist, and the vest itaelf is padded with wool for the sake of warmth. Trousers a laTure, baggy and flowing as Fatima’s, and light ly tied at the ankles; a broad silk kummerbund of almost endless length, with the ends so disposed that they become qkirts; dainty white socks and a tiny slipper or shoe, gold embroidered—such is the indoor dress of a Oabuli lady; while covering and hiding all, save feet and tnklea, is the voluminous white garment Irawn over the bead and falling to the heels.

These veiled beauties have jewelry scattered over their foreheads, bauds, waists, anas and ears, while handsome gold loops «cure the gaabmak at the back of the head, the hair being lightly drawn from the forehead and tied Into a knot, Grecian taahion. The length oi a silk kommerbund which oircles a lady’s waist is sometimes astonishing; one I saw most have been twelve yards long by eighteen inches broad, and the end was not even then forthcoming. The slippers and shoes are aL (Jabnli make, and are very pret ,y. On a pale green background beantilnl patterns are worked with gold and silver thread and parti colored silk nntil the effect is more like a fairy slipper than one for daily use.- Bat a stoat leathern sole ia pat on, with mgh heels rudely bound with iron, and the work of art is complete, rhe stalls in which their slippers and shoes are made are the gayest in the whole oazar. A Qaboli lady’s foot is small, almost to and the baggy trousers by contrast mike them appear exceedingly pctito/From the few faces seen, and those otnefly of old or passee women, it is difficult to judge of the famed beauty CabuUs are said to boast ot. The children are certainly the prettiest I have ever seen. Their complexions are red and white, with a tinge of olive pervading the skin, eyes black and lustrous, wellshaped features, teeth to make a western beauty envious and bright, intelligent looks that sadly belie the race to which they belong. The Calubi lady journeying is either carried in an elaborate wicker work cage, covered with the inevitable flowing linen, or rides, Am axon fashion, on a pony behind her lord. She is at times coquettish enough to throw warm glances at Ksflrs behind her husband’s back, and is no doubt delighted at the admiration with which her daintily slippered feet are regarded. What the oration of life is of such women in such a country as this may be cammed up in a U-vr words. She must play the part of a mother rather than of a wife, for her sympathies all go with the children left to be brought up in the zenana, and not with their father, whose course lies indifferent lines in the busy, scheming world poGide. That some women cf strong character occasionally share their husband's ambition sal aid him by advice and suggestions, is (fnite true. The mother and wife ofYakoob Khan are both women of ex&ptional ability, influencing and guiding men and well versed la state intrigues. Bat the exceptions are few and only prpye the. general pile obtaining in all Mahomaae dan countries, ’|)&t woman is a cipher ootside the four walls .of fho zenana.— Oorrttf&ndaxe* of th* India* Pipiuer Mail,