PESHAWAR
\nIn the heart of South Asia lies Peshawar, a city with stories spanning over past 2,500 years and an inimitable destination of domestic and foreign artisans bringing in marvelous and eye-catching crafts designs.
\nRich in different traditional and cultural values this city boast of a tapestry of different dynasties and civilizations, most vibrant among them the handicrafts introduced by local and foreign artisans of pre-Greek, Mughals and colonial era.
\nAptly named as \u201cPesha War\u201d or \u201cthe City of Artisans,\u201d Peshawar still carries the legacy of craftsmanship passed down generation after generation with city bazaars like Misgran, Ratti bazaar, Dabgari Gardens and the legendary Qissa Khawani Bazaar, still echoing past glory of artisans.
\n\u201cWalking through these markets is like stepping back in time. The air is filled with metal clinking, the scent of wood and steel shavings and curving and sight of meticulously crafted items,\u201d said a Senior Research Officer, Archeology and Museums Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Bakhtzada Khan.
\n\u201cThe shops brimming with wood and metal cutlery capture the attention of visitors as despite rapid technological advancements, these ancient bazaars maintain a steadfast appeal, especially among rural people of KP and Punjab provinces,\u201d he stated.
\nBakhtzada said the discovery of human remains in Soan Valley in Punjab was evidence of stone-made cutlery and bone tools used anciently. \u201cIt was found that people started making clay and stone pots, crockery and other related utensils during the Neolithic period commonly known as new Stone Age dating back some 8,000 years back.\u201d
\nThe wooden cutlery shops in Peshawar bazaars, in particular, are a visual feast, displaying an array of handmade items\u2014wooden spoons, blenders, kneading plates, curd mixers and bowls\u2014showcasing artisans\u2019 dedication and hard work. These products, though presenting an old-fashioned look, also possess a timeless quality and unique designs.
\n\u201cWooden cutlery is still alive in Peshawar. We have valuable customers for whom we specially produce these items,\u201d said Qaiser Khan, a shopkeeper in main Dabgari Bazaar.
\n\u201cMajority of our customers belong to KPK and Punjab while our cutlery is also preferred in Afghanistan, Middle East and Central Asians Republics due to its durability and unique designs.\u201d
\nHowever, he complained of the lukewarm response of urban population who consider these products as obsolete and outdated and shifted to stainless steel cutlery and porcelain crockery.
\nFaraz Ali, another shopkeeper at Misgarn bazaar said use of wooden cutlery had declined in recent decades and the KPK government should take steps to preserve this asset.
\n\u201cWooden utensils are mostly cheaper than stainless steel or aluminum. Moreover, many people think that meals cooked in clay pottery with the help of a wooden spoon are better in taste.\u201d
\nIf seen in the hygiene perspective, the wood cutlery and clay pots are not that harmful as those prepared by using certain chemical components.
\n\u201cWood products are not harmful for using domestically. However, mixing of some chemical ingredients in preparation of utensils from different metals can affect human health,\u201d said Dr Riaz Khan, Principal Medical Officer, Pabbi hospital.
\nAlthough, these ancient handicrafts are our valuable asset yet their existence is under threat due to societal transformation and modernization.
\nA recent study by KP educationists at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa universities has revealed a complex relationship between the likeness of modern industrial products and decline of traditional indigenous crafts.
\nIt states that factors contributing to this decline include; lack of infrastructure and shifting to other careers, inadequate infrastructure, a shift towards other careers, lower production, and fading interest among younger generations.
\nSome of the significant challenges the workers associated to this profession face are limited marketing opportunities and lack of recognition for their handmade work.
\nThese experts recommended to establishing accessible exhibition centers, promotion marketing strategies for artisans and entrepreneurship among illiterate men and women interested in handicrafts for revitalizing and protect traditional handicrafts, preserve cultural heritage and enhance skills of artisans.
\nEmphasizing the importance of protecting traditional handicrafts from the impact of modern branding, these experts have also underlined the need for specific actions to aid in the revival of these traditional crafts.
\nMeanwhile, Omair Khattak, General Manager, Investment, KP Tourism and Culture Authority has stated that the provincial government was making all out efforts to preserve this valuable heritage and promote it within KPK and beyond.
\nHe mentioned to organizing a three days all Pakistan Art Festival at Islamabad by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) where handicrafts model of local artisans were displayed while Pakistan Arts and Crafts Gallery, a provincial owned center for sale, marketing exhibition and promotion of handicrafts at Islamabad has also been revived.
\nHe also assured to continue such interactions in future to promote skillfulness of local artisans and explore market for selling their products.
\nAs modernization is gradually taking over our ancient culture and craftsmanship, many experts have underlined the need for giving this sector \u2018an industrial status\u2019 and financially support artisans and craftsmen to promote this dwindling business.
\nSuch initiative would not only help preserve this heritage but also provide earning opportunities for local craftsmen but also export these items to earn valuable foreign exchange.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PESHAWAR In the heart of South Asia lies Peshawar, a city with stories spanning over past 2,500 years and an inimitable destination of domestic and foreign artisans bringing in marvelous and eye-catching crafts designs. Rich in different traditional and cultural values this city boast of a tapestry of different dynasties and civilizations, most vibrant among […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":418067,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-418051","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-top-news"},"yoast_head":"\n