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The Dying Craft of Kashmiri Wooden Utensils
The Dying Craft of Kashmiri Wooden Utensils

By Sadaf Shabir

Ali Mohammad Najar from Budgam, Kashmir, is painfully aware that he is perhaps one of the last custodians of the craft of wooden utensils, which were once integral to every Kashmiri kitchen. The craftsman now works as a labourer and repairs wooden roofs to make ends meet.

Ali Mohammad Najar from Budgam, Kashmir, is painfully aware that he is perhaps one of the last custodians of the craft of wooden utensils, which were once integral to every Kashmiri kitchen. The craftsman now works as a labourer and repairs wooden roofs to make ends meet.

The Sky's the Ceiling
The Sky's the Ceiling

By Fahim Mattoo

The Khatamband wooden ceiling is one of the legacies of Kashmir’s traditional architecture. The beautifully handcrafted ceilings, replete with motifs, was a common feature of all buildings in the region, be it palaces, shrines, mosques, homes of nobles, and even houseboats. Khatamband craft is making a comeback after a slump, giving hope to Kashmiri craftsmen.

The Khatamband wooden ceiling is one of the legacies of Kashmir’s traditional architecture. The beautifully handcrafted ceilings, replete with motifs, was a common feature of all buildings in the region, be it palaces, shrines, mosques, homes of nobles, and even houseboats. Khatamband craft is making a comeback after a slump, giving hope to Kashmiri craftsmen.

Reviving the Kashmiri Craft of Namda Making
Reviving the Kashmiri Craft of Namda Making

By Fahim Mattoo

Namdas, the coarse, sheep-wool floor rugs can be found in almost every Kashmiri household. But, Namda weavers are on a decline. Farooq Ahmad Khan, a 40-year-old weaver, is using a new nano-felt technique to make the Namda craft more versatile.

Namdas, the coarse, sheep-wool floor rugs can be found in almost every Kashmiri household. But, Namda weavers are on a decline. Farooq Ahmad Khan, a 40-year-old weaver, is using a new nano-felt technique to make the Namda craft more versatile.

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