Accessories
As the proprietor of handicrafts company “Alkanooz”, I would like to share my personal take and experience of this very crucial and meaningful industry. First, let’s try to understand what is handicraft? A handicraft many times is referred to as handmade, any type of products produced completely by hand or with use of simple tools. There might be some use of mechanical tools but the fact is it should maintain the artistic and creative value. Mostly handicrafts are made from raw material and can be produced in large quantity based on many factors such as the art of local area, utility of the product, and aesthetics.
Culture plays a vital role in shaping any country’s handicrafts industry. It is a definition of religion, language, and behavior of a group of people. It holds the beauty to transit from generation to generation based on the beliefs, technology, and customs. Along with, culture there is heritage which is another important ingredient to shape the society. Heritage of a country is representation of history and helps to build its future based on the objects from past, stories transferred from generations or customs and habits of people. Having said that it will be fair to assume that culture of a nation is defined by its heritage which is carried in the process of building a nation.
Keeping in mind above explanation and background summary of handicraft, I felt the downfall of this high-value industry in Pakistan. I took this as a challenge to revive this heritage and looked for an opportunity to explore the possibility of:
Where to start and how?
While exploring, I found immense talent in these artisans and their desire to learn new elements of design. This was the beginning of my motivation to work for them and with them. Initially, I spent time at several places with these craftsmen to acquaint myself with their strength and weaknesses.
This is where I learnt that they have Hands of Gold”
These artisans have the ability to turn any piece of Copper, Silver, or Brass into a marvelous piece of art. It is incredible to see how they are able to craft and produce such exquisite items with obsolete and basic tools. I would like to discuss few techniques used in basic manufacturing, polishing, and finishing pieces of metal into a piece of ART.
Above images are descriptive enough of kaleidoscope of fine craftsmanship in copper, brass, and silver and producing items of high value and utility.
These images are impressively supporting of how they are working with strength and pride to keep the inheritance of skillfulness alive from generation to generation. It was quite astounding to find that the craftsmen associated with this ART are carrying the legacy of their forefathers. It is extremely challenging for someone fresh “off the boat” can decide to learn metal crafting unless they have grown up with this and it’s “in their blood”.
From nailing, beating, and polishing of the metal; the basic tools are used but the artistry created is ethnic and extremely rich. Polishing wheel spins at a very high speed. It is the skill of the polisher to clutch the product tight and rotate all around. Any carelessness may result in total wastage of the product.
How to help?
It’s about time to take measures in order to save our Handicrafts industry. It is our asset and is about 7,000-9,000 years old. After spending many arduous hours at different work sites, I recognized that there are few factors to be considered:
- Low payments
- Availability of work
- Guidelines
- Recognition
- Global markets
- Training
Today’s world is all about globalization – if this fact is recognized by the industry heads promptly half of the battle is won. They need to be properly trained in polishing and finishing of the product which is most of the time overlooked. To help these craftsmen, guidelines aligned with modern day techniques are available in abundance. Last but not least, we should focus on international markets to understand their requirements and needs.
If it doesn’t challenge you
It will not change you
In my pursuit to help this dying art of metal crafting, I am engaged at various levels in teaching, training, and increasing their awareness of manufacturing quality products that meets today’s market requirements. This is my little effort to save these “Hands of Gold”. Their willingness to learn and curiosity to discover unfold various modern methods in crafting boosts my energy as well.
I am very hopeful to introduce our industry around the globe through a small platform that I proudly own and running by the name of “Alkanooz”.
THERE ARE TWO PRIMARY CHOICES IN LIFE;
TO ACCEPT CONDITIONS AS THEY EXIST,
OR ACCEPT THE RESPONSIBILITY
FOR CHANGING THEM.
Denis Whitley
