Hazratbal's wicker weaver keeps dying craft alive

Srinagar, Feb 23: For the last three decades, Noor Mohammad Shaksaaz has been carrying on his family business of wickerwork in his decorated shop at Hazratbal market on the banks of Dal Lake.

“Our family has been carrying the craft for three centuries at Hazratbal. I learnt the craft from my grandfather Lala Shaksaaz and his father Abdul Raheem,” Shaksaab said.

“I myself make decorated Kangris (earthen fire pots draped in wicker. Making Kangris requires a specific type of clay known as posha khani which we bring from forest,” he said.

“Despite modernity, there is huge demand for wicker items especially Kangris and baskets,” he said.

The willow plant is said to have been introduced by the British in Kashmir. This plant was cultivated in designated areas in rural regions. There are two specific types of sticks obtained from this plant: one type is used for making earthen pots, while another type is used for basket-making. Notably, the sticks for basket-making require boiling before being used.

“We get these sticks known as truk and used for making Kangri. Maan is used for basket.” “These sticks come in two colors: white and red. “Tourists are more attracted to the white ones because they are simple, so they prefer to buy the white sticks. On the other hand, Kashmiris prefer to buy sticks with both white and red colors,” he said.

“During weddings, there is a massive demand for traditional products. However, I could take limited orders in the past due to health issues associated. Besides plastic products hit our trade, however, people have started to use our traditional items again. As a result, it significantly boosted our business. Tourists are particularly attracted to these products, and I have seen many people supplying this traditional product to many countries,” he said.

“Two months ago, famous Bollywood film star and singer Diljit Dosanjh, visited my shop and purchased a wicker basket from me. I sold it to him at its actual price, which was one thousand rupees. Later, many people came to me and said, ‘Why did you sell it to him at less rate.” But I replied my culture does not permit me to charge more. It teaches me to be fair and honest in my business dealings, regardless of who the customer is,” he said.

“But he (Diljit) gave me a different kind of respect. He promoted me internationally, advertised my products, and shared my picture on various social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. This led to a significant increase in demand for my business,” he said.

He said the price of Kangri ranges from Rs 300 to Rs 4,000. “ I earn a good living and manage my household expenses. However, the situation in Kashmir has changed a lot and the purchasing power of people has reduced,” he said.

Kangri has special significance in our culture. It was filled with dry fruits and sweets and gifted to brides. Now this tradition has vanished due to modernity,” he rued.

“I have two daughters and I wish my family business could be carried forward,” he said.