The Kite Makers of Kabul
Afghanistan kite makers - Female Kite Makers in Afghanistan - Kites in Kabul
In The Kite Runner, the film adaptation of Khaled Hosseini's best-selling path-to-manhood tale, it's the creations of renowned local kite maker Noor Agha that fill the sky. Banned during Taliban rule, kite flying — and the more combative kite dueling — is once again Afghanistan's national passion, so Agha's business was already booming. But when DreamWorks came calling, he had to recruit the women in his family to learn this traditionally male craft.
They all work together in one room. That includes both his wives: Marzia, who makes the bold graphics of each kite into completely unique patchwork patterns, and Farida, who completes the tails and imprints Agha's name and signature scorpion image.
The two wives, working and raising their combined 11 children, are the collaboration that holds the whole kite-making operation together — maybe even more than the family's trademark secret glue.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
-
Taylor Swift Sweetly Dishes on Travis Kelce With a Young Swiftie at Children's Hospital
"I like Travis now," the fan shared.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
I Found the Most Luxe Beauty Stocking Stuffers Your Friends Actually Want
Beauty editor-tested and approved.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
32 Great TV Shows That Capture What We Love About Our Closest Friendships
Watch these with your bestie (or when you miss them).
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
Are Girlfriends the New Husbands?
She's had your back through breakups, pink slips, even that ridiculous paleo diet you tried last fall. Is it any wonder that for a generation of women staying single longer, BFFs are now pinch-hitting as spouses? Whitney Joiner reports on the perks — and pitfalls — of the new buddy-as-hubby system.
By Whitney Joiner Published
-
How to Drive a Golf Ball
Do you think you'll be a natural when its time for your first drive?
By Rachel Bertsche Published
-
How to Throw a Football
Throwing a football correctly, with spiral, is not so easy.
By Rachel Bertsche Published
-
From Mutilation to Salvation
Millions of young women around the globe are still being subjected to a shockingly primitive surgery that leads to lifelong health problems - if not death. But in a faraway corner of Kenya, one survivor is fighting for change.
By Jan Goodwin Published
-
Life as an American Female Soldier
Hair falling out, periods on hold, and peeing in a cup: for female soldiers, life on the front lines involves stuff men never have to think about.
By Tara McKelvey Published
-
Beauty and the Beast
Spanish bullfighter Ana Infante knows how to stand her ground.
By Julia Savacool Published
-
Finding Power Behind the Wheel
Finding power behind the wheel.
By Julia Savacool Published
-
How to Win at Poker
Whether you want to win big or just impress at boys' poker night, these tips should help any aspiring woman learn to play.
By Marie Claire Published