The Afghanistan that is portrayed in Western media is a bleak, barren place full of greys and browns. In general, the kind of poverty found in the third world is often made to look barren and dismal. Often though, as with these boots, the kinds of materials and techniques used in these societies are colourful and elaborate. The craftsmanship found in these small mountain villages, the vivid colours and intricate detailing they achieve as well as the level practicality, resourcefulness and durability necessitated by their lifestyles, almost always surpasses the materials found in the so-called developed world.