A Comparative and Critical Analysis of Folk “Attan” and Formal Dances
Abstract
The tradition of Pashtunwali has been evolved in different sub-cultural zones in contemporary Pakistan and Afghanistan. Cultural anthropologists and ethnographers of 20th and 21st century mark Pashtun tradition as a structural entity that has created binary opposition to different skills and arts forms. The peripheral position of skilled labors and social classes indicates peculiar social attitude. This collective social behavior is reflected in the social legitimacy of folk dances (Attan) and negation to the different forms of individual and peer dance performances from Indian and Central Asian background. The paper traces back history of ancient dances that gradually culminated into arts forms and prevailed around Pashtun territories. The causes of social legitimacy to Attan are also traced through historical analysis of cultural practices. The paper concludes that negation of fine arts forms, and other ways of modern and institutional expressions retards the evolution of culture and prevails an introvert and retrogressive worldviews. Modern literary, academic and arts institutions needs to encapsulate both folk and modern forms of expressions that will enrich and diversify creative expression as means and ends.
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