Graf Doozi is a type of embroidery and one of the handicrafts of the people of Afghanistan. Stay with Saad News to learn more about this art.
Traditional and handmade stitches such as khamak, chicken stitching, coin stitching, graf stitching, etc., serve as a national identity and one of the most prominent ethnic manifestations in Afghanistan. They play an important role in preserving the social identity of this country’s society and have a close connection with the cultural, ethical, and spiritual values and standards of its various ethnic groups. This art, namely graf, is recognized as one of the most important handicrafts of Afghanistan. The use of these stitches in traditional and indigenous clothing diminished in the 1980s and 1990s but has seen a significant increase recently.
Graf
In English, "graph" refers to a diagram. A graph can refer to one of the following:
Infographic: Display of data using several charts and figures in one image.
Chart: A graphic representation of data, sometimes also referred to as a "graph" in English (statistical chart).
In mathematics:
Graph (mathematical): A set of vertices and edges.
Graph theory: A branch of mathematics related to graphs.
Graf Stitching
Graf stitching is a unique stitching technique specific to Afghanistan, where the stitching method is in the form of a cross. However, in an easier method, known as "Asan Tankah," there is a small additional stitch that is placed in the center of the cross. "Asan Tankah" means an easy stitch or simple stitch, as it is the easiest stitch in Balochi embroidery. This stitch is done on six-thread fabric. The stitching method in graf stitching resembles geometric mathematical shapes, and the stitches on the fabric are displayed like diagrams. The designs used in graf stitching are predominantly geometric, and bright colors are used to visualize them, with orange and red dominating the other colors. The details of the design are mostly in green, white, black, and brown.
Tools Needed for Graf Stitching:
Kablan (embroidery frame)
Thread
Needle
Six-thread fabric
Types of Graf Stitching
The graf stitching industry is quite extensive and is not limited to clothing. Here are a few examples of where graf stitching is used:
On Pillows: This beautiful stitch is used as part of bridal sets, on pillows, and other bridal items like cushions, bedspreads, and backs.
On Bags: With the rise of this industry, fashion designers have started incorporating traditional graf stitching onto other products, including bags. Sometimes, these bags are paired with graf-stitched shoes, popular among young girls.
On Collar and Sleeves: As mentioned in the introduction, the most frequent use of this stitch is on clothing, particularly on the collar and sleeves. If you visit Kabul markets, you will find graf stitching on formal coats and women's suits.
On Bracelets: Creative individuals have applied this beautiful stitch to other women’s accessories, including bracelets and shawls. Brass bracelets and shawls with beautiful graf stitching are highly popular.
On Handkerchiefs: This item also belongs to bridal sets, and these beautiful handkerchiefs are used by men as well.
Graf Stitching and the Baloch People
Baloch artists strive to reflect the realities of life, the surrounding environment, the people of the region, and their ethnic beliefs in their works, thus immortalizing them. In our dear Iran, in the northern part of Sistan and Baluchestan, mainly in Khash and Zahedan, graf stitching is done, and it is stitched exclusively on six-thread fabric. Therefore, graf stitching differs from Asan Tankah. Asan Tankah is a Baloch Makan stitch where, in addition to the cross stitch, a small additional stitch is added, but graf stitching uses the cross stitch on six-thread fabric, which is more commonly done by Afghans. Since Zahedan and Sistan are close to the Afghanistan border, graf stitching is mostly used in Zahedan, Khash, and Sistan.
🧵🎨 Final Thoughts
Graf stitching is one of the beautiful traditional arts found in the culture and handicrafts of the Afghan people. What types of handicrafts do you know from the Afghan people? We would love to hear your thoughts and knowledge on new handicrafts. Please write your comments to us.
