Faces of Afghanistan

Studio of Skip Rohde © 2013 Skip RohdeStudio of Skip Rohde © 2013 Skip Rohde

Faces of Afghanistan

Faces of Afghanistan

Drawings of Afghans in Kandahar ProvinceDrawings of Afghans in Kandahar Province


BackgroundI went to Afghanistan in the fall of 2011 as a State Department officer. I worked in Kandahar Province, the volatile homeland of the Taliban, to help local officials and elders to build their capabilities. Often, while sitting in meetings, I would sketch some of the participants. They have wonderful faces for an artist: strong, proud, full of character, and lined with the stresses of living the past 30 years at war. These sketches were a way of understanding them, of learning who they were as individuals. Some of them were highly educated officials, while others had little or no schooling. Many were mujahedeen who had fought the Soviets. Most were now farmers. Some were village elders. There were even a few with ties to the Taliban. Almost all were trying to provide, as best they could, for their families. Here, then, are some of the individuals that I encountered.

BackgroundI went to Afghanistan in the fall of 2011 as a State Department officer. I worked in Kandahar Province, the volatile homeland of the Taliban, to help local officials and elders to build their capabilities. Often, while sitting in meetings, I would sketch some of the participants. They have wonderful faces for an artist: strong, proud, full of character, and lined with the stresses of living the past 30 years at war. These sketches were a way of understanding them, of learning who they were as individuals. Some of them were highly educated officials, while others had little or no schooling. Many were mujahedeen who had fought the Soviets. Most were now farmers. Some were village elders. There were even a few with ties to the Taliban. Almost all were trying to provide, as best they could, for their families. Here, then, are some of the individuals that I encountered.


A.M.Graphite on paper

8.5”x5”

This gentleman was a self-appointed custodian at one of the District Centers. He was a very cheerful man, always smiling, and happy to do anything he could to help out.

A.M.Graphite on paper

8.5”x5”

This gentleman was a self-appointed custodian at one of the District Centers. He was a very cheerful man, always smiling, and happy to do anything he could to help out.


Battle Damage ClaimantGraphite on paper

8.5”x5”

This one-eyed elder had some of his property damaged in a battle between US troops and insurgents. He came to a meeting to request repayment for his losses. His claim was backed up by the report from the US troops, so we paid him.

Battle Damage ClaimantGraphite on paper

8.5”x5”

This one-eyed elder had some of his property damaged in a battle between US troops and insurgents. He came to a meeting to request repayment for his losses. His claim was backed up by the report from the US troops, so we paid him.


Bazaar MerchantInk on paper

8.5”x5”

Merchants in the bazaars were always interested in discussing any plans to help improve their business. This very dignified gentleman came to a meeting about installing solar-powered lights, which would allow them to stay open late.

Bazaar MerchantInk on paper

8.5”x5”

Merchants in the bazaars were always interested in discussing any plans to help improve their business. This very dignified gentleman came to a meeting about installing solar-powered lights, which would allow them to stay open late.


Tribal ElderPastel on toned paper

11.5”x9”

Afghanistan is very tribal and a person’s identity is tied in to his tribal affiliations. In Kandahar, there were dozens of tribes, some closely related, others not. This highly respected elder was a member of one of the smaller tribes.

Tribal ElderPastel on toned paper

11.5”x9”

Afghanistan is very tribal and a person’s identity is tied in to his tribal affiliations. In Kandahar, there were dozens of tribes, some closely related, others not. This highly respected elder was a member of one of the smaller tribes.


ConsultationInk on paper, 8”x11”

These two gentlemen worked very closely together during district meetings. One was an elder for a village, the other a government official.

ConsultationInk on paper, 8”x11”

These two gentlemen worked very closely together during district meetings. One was an elder for a village, the other a government official.


Haji D.M.Graphite on paper

8.5”x5”

“Haji” is a term of respect that is given to someone who has made the hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca. This man was one of the most respected leaders in the district. He lived in a Taliban-controlled area, but frequently came to district meetings.

Haji D.M.Graphite on paper

8.5”x5”

“Haji” is a term of respect that is given to someone who has made the hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca. This man was one of the most respected leaders in the district. He lived in a Taliban-controlled area, but frequently came to district meetings.


Haji KasanInk on lined notebook paper

7”x4”

I didn’t always have my art materials with me. Sometimes I just used what was available, which was usually a small notebook and a ballpoint pen. Haji Kasan had a very striking appearance, and his fiery temperament always made him a man to watch.

Haji KasanInk on lined notebook paper

7”x4”

I didn’t always have my art materials with me. Sometimes I just used what was available, which was usually a small notebook and a ballpoint pen. Haji Kasan had a very striking appearance, and his fiery temperament always made him a man to watch.


H.S.K.Graphite on paper

11”x8”

This man was one of the most important men in his district. Short (about 5’) and wiry, he had been a mujahedeen commander against the Soviets. Now he’s a fairly wealthy businessman and a leader in district affairs. The Taliban have tried at least three times to kill him.

H.S.K.Graphite on paper

11”x8”

This man was one of the most important men in his district. Short (about 5’) and wiry, he had been a mujahedeen commander against the Soviets. Now he’s a fairly wealthy businessman and a leader in district affairs. The Taliban have tried at least three times to kill him.


In the ShuraInk on paper, 5”x8.5”

A “shura” is a formal meeting where important things are discussed and decided. Some are open only to selected members and others to the public at large. These men owned shops in the local bazaar and attended this shura to discuss a bazaar development project.

In the ShuraInk on paper, 5”x8.5”

A “shura” is a formal meeting where important things are discussed and decided. Some are open only to selected members and others to the public at large. These men owned shops in the local bazaar and attended this shura to discuss a bazaar development project.


Little GirlPastel on toned paper

11.5”x9”

Young children played all around the district center. Most of the boys were highly skilled pickpockets. Girls were shy around men, but loved our female soldiers. This very serious young girl seemed to have an understanding of the world far beyond her years.

Little GirlPastel on toned paper

11.5”x9”

Young children played all around the district center. Most of the boys were highly skilled pickpockets. Girls were shy around men, but loved our female soldiers. This very serious young girl seemed to have an understanding of the world far beyond her years.


Kuchi ElderInk on paper

8.5”x5”

Members of the Kuchi tribe are the gypsies of Afghanistan. They are nomads who move their herds around the country and across the border into Pakistan. Insurgents often use Kuchis to transport drugs, weapons, and other contraband. Many Kuchis, though, want nothing to do with the Taliban or insurgents.

Kuchi ElderInk on paper

8.5”x5”

Members of the Kuchi tribe are the gypsies of Afghanistan. They are nomads who move their herds around the country and across the border into Pakistan. Insurgents often use Kuchis to transport drugs, weapons, and other contraband. Many Kuchis, though, want nothing to do with the Taliban or insurgents.


District OfficialPastel on toned paper

11”x9”

A district is roughly comparable to a county. This district official was a shrewd man. With a degree in political science, he was the only man in the district who had been to a university.

District OfficialPastel on toned paper

11”x9”

A district is roughly comparable to a county. This district official was a shrewd man. With a degree in political science, he was the only man in the district who had been to a university.


Two EldersGraphite on paper, 8”x11”

Most of the people in our district were farmers, so any time an agricultural topic was to be discussed at a shura, lots of people turned out. One of the two in this drawing was a local farmer while the other represented an agricultural organization.

Two EldersGraphite on paper, 8”x11”

Most of the people in our district were farmers, so any time an agricultural topic was to be discussed at a shura, lots of people turned out. One of the two in this drawing was a local farmer while the other represented an agricultural organization.


Village Elder Ink on lined notebook paper

7”x4”

We wanted to work with a village strategically located between government and Taliban controlled areas. The elders tried to be neutral and avoid the fighting that an alignment with any side would bring. This man was a very passionate and well-spoken leader of the community.

Village Elder Ink on lined notebook paper

7”x4”

We wanted to work with a village strategically located between government and Taliban controlled areas. The elders tried to be neutral and avoid the fighting that an alignment with any side would bring. This man was a very passionate and well-spoken leader of the community.


A. R.Graphite on paper

11”x8”

This man was an elder in a village near the district center. He was not afraid to stand up in large meetings and speak truth to high-level officials.

A. R.Graphite on paper

11”x8”

This man was an elder in a village near the district center. He was not afraid to stand up in large meetings and speak truth to high-level officials.


Poppy Eradication ShuraInk on paper, 5”x8.5”

Southern Afghanistan is the world’s leading supplier of poppy for heroin. The government made very public efforts to reduce its production. This shura to discuss poppy eradication was heavily attended.

Poppy Eradication ShuraInk on paper, 5”x8.5”

Southern Afghanistan is the world’s leading supplier of poppy for heroin. The government made very public efforts to reduce its production. This shura to discuss poppy eradication was heavily attended.


Abdul MananGraphite on paper

8.5”x5”

“Abdul Manan” is a surprisingly common name. We worked with four in several different districts.

Abdul MananGraphite on paper

8.5”x5”

“Abdul Manan” is a surprisingly common name. We worked with four in several different districts.


Village ElderInk on paper

8.5”x5”

The weekly shuras could sometimes get very hot. Afghan government forces had tried to increase their influence around one particular village against significant Taliban resistance. This elder came to the shura to vehemently oppose the government actions. He was not a Taliban, he just wanted his village to be left alone.

Village ElderInk on paper

8.5”x5”

The weekly shuras could sometimes get very hot. Afghan government forces had tried to increase their influence around one particular village against significant Taliban resistance. This elder came to the shura to vehemently oppose the government actions. He was not a Taliban, he just wanted his village to be left alone.


Haji A. M.Pastel on toned paper

11”x9”

This man was a regular at the weekly shuras. He’s a very large man (well over 6 ft) and very friendly. He loved to talk with us about almost anything. He was also a Taliban facilitator, providing them with safe haven, transportation, and supplies.

Haji A. M.Pastel on toned paper

11”x9”

This man was a regular at the weekly shuras. He’s a very large man (well over 6 ft) and very friendly. He loved to talk with us about almost anything. He was also a Taliban facilitator, providing them with safe haven, transportation, and supplies.


Exhibition at the University of North Carolina at Asheville

In the fall of 2012, after my return from Afghanistan, 47 of these drawings were exhibited at UNC Asheville in the S. Tucker Cooke Gallery.

Exhibition at the University of North Carolina at Asheville

In the fall of 2012, after my return from Afghanistan, 47 of these drawings were exhibited at UNC Asheville in the S. Tucker Cooke Gallery.


About the ArtistSkip Rohde was a Navy officer for 22 years. After retiring from the military, he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of North Carolina at Asheville and opened his own studio. In 2008, he deployed to Iraq with the State Department and the Army Corps of Engineers to manage reconstruction projects around the country. In 2011, he deployed to Afghanistan as a governance advisor with the State Department. He has now returned to his home and studio in the Asheville, North Carolina, area.

Web site: www.skiprohde.comFacebook: facebook.com/Studio.of.Skip.RohdeBlog: storypaintings.blogspot.com

About the ArtistSkip Rohde was a Navy officer for 22 years. After retiring from the military, he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of North Carolina at Asheville and opened his own studio. In 2008, he deployed to Iraq with the State Department and the Army Corps of Engineers to manage reconstruction projects around the country. In 2011, he deployed to Afghanistan as a governance advisor with the State Department. He has now returned to his home and studio in the Asheville, North Carolina, area.

Web site: www.skiprohde.comFacebook: facebook.com/Studio.of.Skip.RohdeBlog: storypaintings.blogspot.com

News & Politics

Faces of Afghanistan