Afghanistan · Embroidery / Mirror Work / Textile
کوچی کاری (Kuchi-kari)
Kuchi-kari (کوچی کاری — Kuchi work) is the embroidery tradition of the Kuchi — the Pashtun nomadic pastoralists who move between Pakistan and Afghanistan following seasonal grazing routes. Kuchi embroidery is globally recognized for its dense combination of tiny circular mirrors (shisha), chain stitch, buttonhole stitch, and metallic thread — covering the bodice and sleeve panels of women's dresses so densely that no base cloth is visible. The defining technical knowledge is the shisha attachment sequence: each mirror is held in place by a specific four-step stitch framework built around the mirror before any decorative stitch is added — 'first the cage, then the mirror is caught, then the cage is locked, then the mirror is dressed.' Four steps in invariable sequence.
Risk level: Critically Endangered · Afghanistan national ICH list; UNESCO intangible heritage documentation
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