Modernity taking its toll on tradition

PESHAWAR:

Peshawar also known as the city of artisans remains an unparalleled destination for both domestic and foreign craftsmen, influenced by civilisations, most notably by the pre-Greek, Mughal, and colonial eras over a period of 2,500 years.

Peshawar’s bustling bazaars, including Misgran, Ratti Bazaar, Dabgari Gardens, and the iconic Qissa Khawani Bazaar, continue to echo the past glory of these artisans. Walking through these markets is like stepping back in time.

“The air is filled with metal clinking, the scent of wood and steel shavings and curving and sight of meticulously crafted items,” said a senior research officer, archaeology and museums department Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Bakhtzada Khan.

“The shops brimming with wood and metal cutlery capture the attention of visitors as despite rapid technological advancements, these ancient bazaars maintain a steadfast appeal, especially among rural people of K-P and Punjab provinces,” he stated.

The wooden cutlery shops in Peshawar bazaars, in particular, are a visual feast, displaying an array of handmade items-wooden spoons, blenders, kneading plates, curd mixers and bowls-showcasing artisans’ dedication and hard work.

These products, though presenting an old-fashioned look, also possess a timeless quality and unique designs. “Wooden cutlery is still alive in Peshawar. We have valuable customers for whom we specially produce these items,” said Qaiser Khan, a shopkeeper in the main Dabgari Bazaar.

Faraz Ali, another shopkeeper at Misgarn bazaar said the use of wooden cutlery had declined in recent decades and the K-P government should take steps to preserve this asset. “Wooden utensils are mostly cheaper than stainless steel or aluminium.”

Moreover, many people think that meals cooked in clay pottery with the help of a wooden spoon are better in taste, he added. If seen from the hygiene perspective, the wood cutlery and clay pots are not as harmful as those prepared by using certain chemical components.

Although, these ancient handicrafts are our valuable asset their existence is under threat due to societal transformation and modernisation. A recent study by K-P educationists at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa universities revealed a complex relationship between the likeness of modern industrial products and the decline of traditional indigenous crafts.

It stated that the factors contributing to this decline include lack of infrastructure and shifting to other careers, inadequate infrastructure, a shift towards other careers, lower production, and fading interest among younger generations.

Omair Khattak, General Manager, investment, at K-P Tourism and Culture Authority has stated that the provincial government was making all-out efforts to preserve this valuable heritage and promote it within K-P and beyond.

As modernisation is gradually taking over our ancient culture and craftsmanship, many experts have underlined the need to give this sector ‘an industrial status’ and financially support artisans and craftsmen to promote this dwindling business.