Kahanduks

Kahanduks are ceremonial headdresses worn by elder figures of the Karandir people who inhabit the Karandir Basin. The term kahanduk derives from the Karandir language, combining elements that mean head and story, reflecting the role of the headdress in oral tradition. Historically, kahanduks appeared in early regional courts as signs of authority and, over time, became central to harvest rituals and rites of passage.

The headdress rests on a lightweight frame of cane or reed, is covered with handwoven cloth or braided fibers, and is often embellished with natural dyes such as indigo blue and madder red, as well as beads, shells, feathers, and metal bits hammered from copper or brass. Craftsmanship emphasizes symmetry and precise beadwork, and common motifs include rivers, mountains, and star-like symbols that convey lineage and landscape.

Worn during public ceremonies, dances, and storytelling sessions, kahanduks signify status and responsibility. Ownership and transfer are governed by lineage rules, and apprentices typically learn weaving, dyeing, and beadwork over many years.

Today kahanduks are produced by a small number of cooperative workshops and surviving families. Some examples are held in regional museums, while contemporary artists experiment with new materials and techniques while retaining traditional patterns. Preservation efforts focus on safeguarding techniques, documenting designs, and ensuring fair compensation for makers.