Khamak is done on a lot of different things, but most of the time, women do khamak on dresses for special occasions or if they want to wear it at home. Only women do khamak. Men don’t do khamak because they think it's feminine. Khamak represents cultural art to express Afghan identity. Afghan embroidery patterns and colors show culture, tradition, and where people come from. Many designs are passed down from families and hold memories of home. For Afghan women, embroidery can also express feelings like hope and love. Afghan embroidery has been a part of Afghan culture for hundreds of years. It's not new; it's passed down from generation to generation. When Afghan people move to other countries, Afghan embroidery helps them stay connected to their culture and homeland. Afghan embroidery is really detailed and colorful. My mom made some dresses with khamak, and when I wear it, it makes me feel connected to my culture. I love wearing afghan clothes. Most of the time the women come together and drink tea and talk while doing khamak. Most of the time khamak on dresses are just flowers, or they do flowers and acrylic sew on mirrors. It's really pretty. When I lived in Afghanistan, my mom made a lot of dresses that had khamak on it and she would sell it sometimes. Khamak is not just embroidery to me; it is a way to carry my culture wherever I go, and I hope I will learn how to do it someday. 

– salma

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant