Muhbat Ali Shah

An Ethnographic Study of Cattle Decoration in Sindh, Pakistan: a Case Study of Muhammad Khan Wasan Village, Umerkot,thar Muhbat Ali Shah

I conducted anthropological qualitative research an ethnographic descriptive holistic study of cattle decoration,and cattle herding community in Sindh Pakistan. The study attempted to look at the role of cattle in creating social,religious and economic relationship in the community. The study also looked at the various illnesses,folk healing methods,forecast,local perception of the cattle about the nature,season,cattle brand which determines the ownership right,foot prints,evil eye & cattle as a protector. Apart from this the book has revealed the major part of research on visual folk aesthetic of cattle decoration,representation of cattle in folk song,folk poetry,folk proverbs,folk tales,cultural sound and hearing of cattle bells. The study also explored that cattle are not just a food source of consumption,but a central factor in all aspects of their social cultural activities, role of kinship and social organization. The tradition of cattle decoration in Sindh construct cultural identification of the people, due to various factors,tradition of cattle decoration is disappearing in Sindh. No any one has preserved nor any anthropological work has been conducted in Sindh.