LAVZAND

Roaming around the Pamir mountains, in search of greener pastures, the Wakhi communities have learnt to make the best use of natural resources. Only by living in harmony with nature have the Wakhi communities been able to survive in the harshest geographies for thousands of years. Nature plays a central role in Wakhi mythology and the literary cosmos. Shepherds and their herds are at the heart of the Wakhi way of life. Odes to hunters, and their mythical guardian fairies, are a common feature of Wakhi folklore and folk poetry. The hunter in Wakhi mythology is not an extravagant and merciless being, but a compassionate human, who appreciates the beauty of nature and hunts, with thankfulness, only for survival. Natural resources, including wildlife, are considered blessings that ought to be used with a pristine sense of justice, avoiding excesses. Living in harmony with nature, thus, is a spiritual experience, filled with thankfulness for God’s bounties. It is in this spirit that no part of the hunted animal is wasted; skin was used to make overcoats (Krest) and Shoes (Ṣ̌ʉṣ̌k), while the horn (Ṣ̌əw) and bones (Yašč) were used in the past to manufacture agricultural tools. Lavzand, the title of the video you are watching, with the help of stunning audio-visuals, soothing music, and soulful poetry, creatively weaves the story of a traditional Wakhi hunter’s lifestyle, by portraying the intricate connections between men and nature. In a way, Lavzand is a call for reestablishing and strengthening the spiritual connection between humans and other manifestations of nature. No animals were harmed while filming this video. Ibex horns used in the video are leftovers animals hunted by snow leopards and killed by other natural phenomena. Vocals: Saltanat Lyrics: Mirza Hussain Sound Production: Sohail Rumi Video Production: Tajike Films Cast: Nawaz Laskir, Kaiynat Habib, Guda Muhammad Rubab Wajahat shah alami. Ghazek Mazuz.