Meet final Dard Shina artisans combating to protect Kashmir’s blanket weaving custom

Rayees Shah

The blanket weaving artisans of the Dard Shina group in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district are grappling with the problem of preserving their heritage on account of a scarcity of recognition from the Division of Handicrafts and Handloom.

These artisans initially hail from the picturesque Jawdara village of Gurez, now residing in elements of Ganderbal.

A resilient group of the Dard-Shina tribe, they’ve been meticulously crafting conventional tribal blankets, shawls, woolen caps, and socks for generations.

Following their displacement on account of a devastating avalanche in 2005, they discovered solace and a brand new dwelling in Chatergul Bala village, located in Ganderbal district, the place they proceed to observe their craft with unwavering willpower.

Ghulam Mohammad, a 70-year-old artisan who has woven blankets since childhood, expresses disappointment on the lack of recognition. “This artwork has been handed down for generations. But, we’re not acknowledged or registered with the Handicraft Division. Whereas others obtain help, we’re ignored,” he advised The Kashmiriyat.

Describing the meticulous course of, Mohammad explains the handbook labor concerned on this course of. “We shear the wool from our personal sheep, wash and comb it, then spin it into superb threads earlier than weaving it on a loom. It’s a household effort, with ladies spinning and males weaving,” he stated.

Nonetheless, regardless of their dedication, the earnings are meager, and the circumstances are difficult. “We work day and evening, usually with out electrical energy. Solar energy would significantly assist us. We want recognition and help from the authorities,” he stated.

Mohammad Afzal Khan, one other veteran artisan, echoes Mohammad’s sentiments on the monetary struggles.

“Regardless of many years of dedication, our earnings stay minimal. Registration might present us with much-needed advantages,” he stated.

The youthful technology, like Zahoor Ahmad Lone, reluctantly embraces the craft on account of restricted job alternatives, he confided to the Kashmiriyat. “Unemployment led me to this ancestral career, which isn’t only a livelihood but additionally our cultural heritage.”

The villagers urged the Authorities to increase help, they appealed to the authorities throughout their dialog with the Kashmiriyat. “We deserve recognition and monetary assist like different handicraft sectors,” he stated.