Attan: A Traditional Pashtun Dance Perfected In Waziristan

Your browser doesn’t support HTML5

Attan historically originated as a war dance among the Pashtun tribes that now straddle Afghanistan and Pakistan. Today Attan is often performed at weddings and other celebrations. Some tribal communities still use it to mobilize members, youth in particular, against threats and attacks. It is typically performed in a circle around a musician beating a double-headed barrel drum. This Attan performance was recorded in August 2013 in North Waziristan. (Radio Mashaal).