(MENAFN– Tribal News Network) Woodworking is one of humanity’s oldest crafts, involving shaping wood for useful and artistic objects. Techniques include carving, joinery, and figurine making, with roots in ancient cultures like Egypt and China.
The Dabgari Bazaar in Peshawar is famous for its wooden goods, including charpoys and quilts. Niaz Ali, a skilled woodcarver with 35 years of experience, operates a workshop there.
Niaz, 48, learned woodworking from his grandfather and found his passion at a young age when he made a wooden truck. “My love for handicrafts grew,” he recalled.
His shop offers a variety of products, from baskets to decorative wooden toys. Many items are made by local artisans, including women without shops.
Although a passerby admired a pair of traditional hand fans, their price was too high for her.
Niaz explained that intricate pieces take time—some can take days to finish. Due to economic challenges, people are prioritizing essentials over decorative items.
Despite considering carpentry for better income, Niaz values the recognition he receives at national exhibitions. “I enjoy showcasing my craft,” he stated proudly.
He hopes to earn a Presidential Award, having been nominated several times. While he hasn’t shown his work internationally, it has reached foreign buyers, including a commissioned wooden truck model.
Niaz was invited to teach at an Artisan Village but declined due to low pay. He believes more support and training for artisans are essential to keep traditional crafts alive.
Niaz calls for a dedicated institute for traditional arts, emphasizing the need for proper salaries for trainers to pass on vital skills to future generations.
(The writer is a Peshawar-based journalist & can be reached at [email protected])
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