Also known as Pushtoon or Pakhtoon, Hindustani Pathan, or Persian Afghan
Location: Afghanistan and Pakistan
Language: Pashtu is spoken by people of Afghanistan and northwestern Pakistan. These people constitute the majority of the population of Afghanistan and possess the exclusive name of Afghan before that name came to denote any native of the present land area of Afghanistan.
History: Most historians believe that the Pashtun culture originated between the 13th and 16th century from the intermingling of ancient Aryans from the north or west with subsequent invaders. This migration/ intermingling took place from Afghanistan to Pakistan. The clans from this migration consisted of kinsmen who had a common ancestor from a male bloodline and patriarchal families. Historically, disputes have arisen from clanial genealogy intervention. This results from the genealogy claim of “establishing rights of succession and inheritance and the right to use tribal lands and to speak in tribal council.” Conflicts over women or property often result in blood feuds between whole clans and families. These could be prevented by the intervention of clan chiefs or a council of elder.
Daily Life: Today most of the Pashtun are farmers, herdsmen, and warriors. The type of farming practiced in this area is called sedentary farming, defined by combining cultivation with animal husbandry. Some of the farmers are also migratory herdsmen and caravaners. One aspect of the Pashtun culture that is unique is that a large number of citizens are attracted to military service.
Sources:
http://www.sabawoon.com/afghanpedia/People.Pashtun.shtm
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9058636
Written by: Matt Medvec