Traditional Crafts at the Risk of Dying

Traditional Crafts at the Risk of Dying   Just look around you, and you are sure to find so much beauty in  your vicinity. We are surrounded by so many wonderful things with  such a rich history, which we often take for granted. Many and  often, simple ​home interior decoration items​ are often crafted with  great skill and come with a rich history that we know so little about. It  could be those i​ nterior wall lights​ that you saw at an antique store, or  the heirloom fine china that your mother gave you, there is a lot  more than what meets the eye. Traditional art and craft is such an  integral part of our life, and has been for a long time now. However,  due to rapid industrialization and replacement of handmade  products with machine made items, we are thoughtlessly replacing  products that are made with great care and skill with products that  are generic and made in thousands. These items are often generic 

looking, commonplace and are easily replaced with no emotional  value attached to them.   We as conscious individuals must understand that who we are and  where we come from is deeply entwined with our culture and  heritage. We come with a history that is painted in myriad shades  with arts, crafts and skills that have been honed over many centuries.  It could be the kalamkari from Andhra Pradesh, or chikankari from  Lucknow, we have many indigenous arts and crafts that have stood  the test of time and evolved to suit the changing times. However, as  mentioned earlier, we are being swept off our feet by high street  brands, mass produced goods and machine made products that  are becoming our preferred choice over products that have a rich  tale to tell. It is due to this, and our constant desire to westernise our  lives, that we are sadly letting our traditional crafts die. While this not  only pushes artisans towards unemployment, it is also encouraging  unsustainable practises which are often followed by large industries  and brands.   Here are some reasons why it is essential that we do everything we  can to save traditional crafts from fading out of our lives and how we  can do our bit for the same.   1. Sustainability   Most traditional crafts are created in a sustainable manner. As these  practices have been handed down from generation to generation,  a lot of natural products are still being used as was the practice  earlier. Natural dyes, naturally and locally sourced raw material and  small scale operation makes these products more sustainable and  eco friendly. If you are someone who wishes to make a positive 

impact on our ecology, buying traditionally crafted home interior  decoration items would be a great step in the right direction.   2. Providing employment  Traditional art and craft​ is a rich part of our heritage that is handed  down from one generation to the next. Many families are  dependent on practising these crafts as their sole means of income.  By choosing to buy something that is traditionally made, not only are  you doing your bit to save our tradition, but you are also making a  great difference in the life of artisans who are completely  dependent on their skills. This not only helps the families who have  always practised these crafts, but you are also encouraging art and  craft enthusiasts to follow their passion in learning more about  traditional crafts.   3. Bring home a story   High Street brands and large scale manufacturers are producing the  same item in bulk quantities which makes them rather generic. But  buying from an artisan and choosing to buy something that is  traditionally crafted brings with it a story unlike any other. If you are  someone who enjoys travelling, or someone who loves exploring  diverse ideas, cultures and traditions- you are sure to be enamoured  by the beauty of traditionally made items and what they can do to  beautify your home. From picking decorative wall mirrors that are  uniquely handcrafted on your travels to adding a piece of furniture  that uses skills and techniques as used by our ancestors, your home is  going to be full of stories and not mere products.  

4. We are where we come from   It is sad to see that our younger generations know so little about our  history. Our lives are so heavily influenced by cultures from around  the world, that we have little or no room for our own heritage in our  lives. If you are a parent who believes that we need to educate our  children and help them connect to our roots, bringing home  traditionally crafted items could be the first step in that direction. Not  only does it pique the interest of young minds, it also teaches them  to respect and value their rich history while staying in tune with  modern times. No matter where they go or what they choose to  pursue in their lives, the environment of their home will help them stay  connected to their roots and you can play a big role in it by  choosing your home decor wisely. Educating them about our history,  about the diversity that we come from and to teach them to take  pride in our lineage lies in our hands.   We may not be using large pots to store water anymore, but we do  not have to miss out on the benefits of using certain metals in our  everyday lives just because of the changing trends. Traditional crafts  are quickly adapting to modern times. From copper jugs, to  terracotta bottles, from classic bidari work decor items to beautiful  brass planters, you can choose from a wide variety of home interior  decoration items that are made using traditional ideas and  practices. Beautify your home with products that are unique, classic  and elegant while doing whatever you can to prevent the death of  our heritage. Times change, trends change, but who we are and  where we come from remains. We as conscious individuals must take  the initiative to not only learn more, but to also encourage and to  educate others about the many benefits of using hand made  products.