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Handicrafts
of Pakistan
Pakistan
has inherited a rich cultural heritage from its history which is as old as
7000-9000 years old. The imprints left by successive civilizations has
left a a rich heritage of handicrafts. The different regions with wide
variety of tradition and culture, dialects, folklore, music, dresses and
costumes have much to offer to any connoisseur of handicrafts. The
Kashmiri Shawls, the Balochi and Sindhi embroidery work, the Peshawari
chappals (an indigenous shoe ware) and carpets, camel skin lamps of Multan,
Gujrati pottery and the wood and brass work done in different parts of
Pakistan have charm of their very own. The handicraft shops in major
cities and hotels abound in the handicrafts of Pakistan, which are taken
as souvenirs by the tourists from the world over. These specially include
the handicrafts made of marble, camel skin, wood and ivory work and
cane-basket work. In fact the handicrafts
are the most striking expressions of the individuality of Pakistan's
regional identities. The color, the shape or style of a craft item
instantly evokes its region.
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Multan,
Bahawalpur and Hala are famous for the blue pottery made of special
clay found in these areas. These are wrought by the inherited skill of
artisans into paper-thin pottery noted for its elegance, delicacy of
design and decorative patterns painted thereon.
Brassware:
"Aftaba" (left) - Tea Set (centre) - Brass Jharoka (right)
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Brass
utensils once used to be common in household uses, specially in the
villages. Now these have slowly and gradually vanished due to their
high cost, but brassware handicrafts can still be found displaying
master craft of the artisans. They make decorative plates, vases,
bowls and similar other things in exquisite designs reminiscent of the
great Mughal period. Products of polished brass have their own appeal
but it is the engraved work in colourful and artistic patterns that is
most prized. In Peshawar, brass work is done on many things like
household utensils of daily use to decoration pieces. In Hindko (one
of the much spoken languages in NWFP), brass is called as "Mis,"
and the individuals who work on this metal are called "Misgar."
In Peshawar a big market is allocated for this handicraft, known as,
"Misgaran Bazaar," that means, bazaar of brass workers.
People of NWFP give household utensils to their daughters in
"Dowry," that are made of brass and are beautifully carved.
These include water storage and cooking utensils.
Silver
jewellery (left) - Silver tea set (right)
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Besides
Brass, silverware is equally attractive and speak of craftsmanship.
However because of their higher price range, these are generally
ordered and found in a few places and shops,
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Chiniot
and areas adjacent to Kashmir are famous for the exquisite carving in
wood and woodcrafts inlaid with ivory, which are highly prized by
tourists. Carving in ivory is a very specialized art requiring a high
degree of skill and patient work on the part of the artisan. Caskets
with delicate lace work ale highly prized. The present artisans have
inherited the skill from gene-rations going far back into the past.
The carved wooden furniture in wide range is exported in huge
quantities because of its richness in design and high quality wood.
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Cane
Basket Work include stripped cane woven by skilled craftsmen to
produce articles of utility such as baskets, hand bags, ladies bags,
mats etc. in elegant designs decorated with floral patterns which make
these articles coveted owing to their exquisite craftsmanship. In the
northern areas and hill stations, the canes and the handicrafts made
of cane are very famous among the tourists and holiday makers.
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Embroidery
is one of the most sought out handicrafts of Pakistan the world over.
Multan, Bahawalpur and surrounding areas are full of gifted men and
women who produce one of the most adorable cross stitch. "Tilla"
work, Pearl work and "Salma Sitary" work of NWFP are very
famous throughout the country. Swat is well-known due to thread
embroidery, whereas, in D.G.Khan mirror work is done on clothes. Works
of these types are called "Kadhai." Chitrali
"Patti," that is woven on hand looms and Kadhai done on
Chitrali Chugha is very famous.
Onyx made
Handicrafts: Candleholders - Cheese Platter - Desk Clock
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Marble
Carving generally come from Balochistan and NWFP. The utility articles
of Balochistan include marble carved in decorative patterns, which
represent a rare craftsmanship of the area; the skill having been
passed on from generations to generations over a period in the past
which would perhaps go back to the Palaeolithic age. The onyx made
show pieces are really eye catching.
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Sialkot
is famous for predominately hand made sports goods based on indigenous
raw materials. These sports good, specially the footballs have gained
world-wide recognition since several decades. Besides sport good,
Sialkot also boasts of its surgical goods and tableware which are also
a class of their own. Sialkot also produces musical instruments
including bagpipes which are exported to Scotland.
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Camel-skin
lamps and shades decorated in colourful floral patterns represent an
ancient handicraft to meet the needs of today. Multan, the city of
saints is famous for camel skin lamps, beside its exotic blue pottery.
In the
year 2003, Pakistan's exports hit the US$ 10 billion mark, mainly because
of its handicrafts and textile commodities, which certainly is only the
beginning of a long journey of robust economic growth. This has been
possible due to the committed efforts of our exporters, manufacturers,
farmers and all other stakeholders. Pakistan did it despite the sanctions,
11th September, war-risk insurance, appreciation of rupee, travel
restrictions, visa issues, financial liquidity constraints and slowdown of
the world economic growth. On this historic occasion, the Pakistan Post
issued a set of 21 commemorative stamps depicting all export oriented
handicrafts and other textile and agro-based products.
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