A good deal of Kerman wool called
Kurk, goes via Bandar Abbasi and Karachi to Amritsar, where it is mixed
with the genuine Tibetan wool in the shawl manufacture. Several of the
articles named in the text, including pardahs ("cortines") are woven in
shawl-fabric. I scarcely think, however, that Marco would have confounded
woven shawl with needle embroidery. And Mr. Khanikoff states that the silk
embroidery, of which Marco speaks, is still performed with great skill and
beauty at Kerman. Our cut illustrates the textures figured with animals,
already noticed at p. 66.
The Guebers were numerous here at the end of last century, but they are
rapidly disappearing now. The Musulman of Kerman is, according to
Khanikoff, an epicurean gentleman, and even in regard to wine, which is
strong and plentiful, his divines are liberal. "In other parts of Persia
you find the scribblings on the walls of Serais to consist of
philosophical axioms, texts from the Koran, or abuse of local authorities.
From Kerman to Yezd you find only rhymes in praise of fair ladies or good
wine."
(Pottinger's Travels; Khanik. Mem. 186 seqq., and Notice, p. 21;
Major Smith's Report; Abbott's MS. Report in F. O.; Notes by Major O.
St. John, R.E.)
NOTE 5. - Parez is famous for its falcons still, and so are the districts
of Aktur and Sirjan. Both Mr. Abbott and Major Smith were entertained with
hawking by Persian hosts in this neighbourhood.
