Jammu and Kashmir Artisans Showcase Traditional Crafts at ‘Know Your Artisan’ Exhibition

SRINAGAR: Traditional Kashmiri crafts, including Waguv weaving, pottery, Kani shawls, and papier-mâché painting, are experiencing a resurgence, thanks to initiatives aimed at connecting artisans with buyers and fostering intergenerational knowledge transfer. The Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, organized the ‘Know Your Artisan’ exhibition at Kashmir Haat, Srinagar, providing a platform for artisans to display their skills and connect with potential customers.

The Chenab Times has learned that the exhibition highlighted the enduring legacy of various Kashmiri art forms, with artisans sharing their stories of survival and revival. Among them was Tanzeela Hussain, a postgraduate student pursuing Persian from the University of Kashmir, who dedicates her spare time to weaving Waguv, a traditional straw mat. She learned the craft from her parents, aiming to keep the family tradition alive.

Reviving Ancient Crafts

Waguv, a 300-year-old craft, involves weaving reed and rice straw to create mats that offer warmth in winter and coolness in summer. Tanzeela’s family, based in Mir Behri, Dal Lake, has practiced this craft for generations. Her father, Ghulam Hussain, credited the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom for their support, stating that he restarted the craft 15 years ago with the department’s assistance. He has since taught the craft to 20 apprentices, enabling them to earn a livelihood.

Similarly, Abdul Salam Kumar, a potter with 45 years of experience, exhibited his pottery. He noted a growing preference for pottery over plastic, citing environmental and health benefits. Historical evidence suggests pottery and terracotta use in Kashmir dates back to Neolithic sites like Burzahom and Gufkral. Kumar engaged young girls at the exhibition, sharing his expertise and allowing them to create their own pottery items.

Diverse Artistic Expressions

Mushtaq Ahmad Dar from Kanihama showcased the intricate art of weaving Kani shawls. This traditional craft, originating from Kanihama village, involves using small wooden bobbins and colourful Pashmina fibre to weave patterns thread by thread, a technique that fascinated students from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Srinagar, who were present on a study visit.

At another stall, Ishfar Ali, an instructor at the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, displayed his expertise in painting and papier-mâché. Known for realistic portraits, watercolouring, and Islamic calligraphy, Ali was influenced by the renowned Kashmiri painter Masood Hussain. He encouraged educated youth to explore these fields, bringing fresh ideas to preserve these ancient arts.

Departmental Support and Future Outlook

Massarat-ul-Islam, Director of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, explained that the ‘Know Your Artisan’ exhibition, part of the ‘Soulful Kashmir’ campaign, aims to facilitate direct interaction between artisans, buyers, and marketing professionals. The initiative seeks to promote the transfer of craftsmanship to the younger generation and connect artisans with broader markets. The department’s efforts are crucial in ensuring the survival and flourishing of these culturally significant traditional arts of Jammu and Kashmir.

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