Anthropological Study and Sustainability of Qashqai Tribal Clothing

Culture encompasses the values, norms, traditions, beliefs, and customs of a society, with clothing representing one of its most significant elements. In analyzing the traditional attire of an ethnic group, two key aspects are of importance: the cultural patterns influencing choices of material, color, design, and tailoring methods, and the symbolic and functional roles of clothing. Certain garments play vital roles across various social, cultural, occupational, and religious contexts. The Qashqai are one of the major nomadic tribes of Iran, primarily residing in the southern and southwestern regions of the country. The distinctive features of Qashqai clothing set it apart from that of other ethnic groups, despite notable similarities with the attire of the Lurs. Based on archival research and fieldwork, this study explores the historical evolution of Qashqai clothing. It aims to identify the earliest documented references to their attire through textual sources and visual representations, and to discuss the key factors contributing to its continuity. The findings reveal that although traditional Qashqai clothing has undergone changes over time, particularly among men, where modern styles are increasingly replacing it, it continues to be preserved among Qashqai women, especially during ceremonial events.