Friday, August 25, 2017

The Mamassanis and the Qashqais (G. F. Magee, 1948)

The Mamassanis and the Qashqais




The average Mamassani is of medium height spare ― except for those persons on whom the sedentary life is having its effect-with dark hair and eyes and in some cases an almost delicate complexion. Refined features are not uncommon. Despite settlement the Mamassani retain their tribal costume to a great extent. This consists of round, often black, felt hat (in shape like that of the Qashqai without the brims) a light coloured robe and black trousers. The women wear small nose ornaments and have their brows tattooed.
Settlement has made the majority of the Mamassani mean and ungenerous; the khans are very wealthy by tribal standards but their conception of hospitality in most cases falls far below that of Qashqai. They are noted for sharp practices in commercial activities.
General living conditions in Mamassani are slightly lower than those found in Qashqai but much better than those of Khamseh Arab. The khans are apparently miserly in their treatment of the people who are poorly dressed and housed.
Polygamy is common throughout Mamassani and the women do not enjoy the independent and respected position of those in Qashqai. Opium-smoking is not uncommon. Health has apparently become worse since the settlement and malaria in particular is having a pronounced effect on the activities and appearance of the people. Of late venereal disease has appeared in the tribe.
The religion of the people is Shiah Islam. The Mamassani are reputedly devout and harbour a great number of seyyeds and other “holy men”.
The native language is Lori but Persian is spoken when required.


G. F. Magee, The Tribes of Fars, Simla, 1948, pp. 161―162.


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