More pain, no gain: Concealing the artist, revealing the art

Sculptors facing hardships at the hands of employers.

HARIPUR:

Jaulian, Taxila and its surrounding areas, house dozens of historical sites of Gandhara civilisation and attract tourists from across the world.

However, the sculptors who have kept the past of this historical place alive, have not garnered the same level of attention when it comes to their rights. Due to the poor implementation of labour laws in the region, poor working conditions and improper wages have flourished.

Resultantly, artisans have been exposed to a variety of difficulties and hardships.

Villages housing the ancient cities of Jaulian, Pind Gakhra, Jandial and adjoining areas host renowned archaeological sites, such as Jaulian University, established in 300 BCE.

The artisans living here have inherited the art from their fathers and have consequently been earning a living by carving stones into replicas. The imitations are so well done that it is hard to distinguish between the original and the replica. “It is impossible to determine whether I chiselled a stone into an artefact a few minutes or thousands of years ago,” said Shafaqat, a local artisan.

Replicas are not the only source of income. Gravestones, flower pots and other decoration pieces are also extremely popular and are sold in various parts of Pakistan. The mortar and pestle used for grinding spices is a particular hallmark product of the area. According to Shakirullah, an archaeologist, “The art of stone carving into mortars was introduced in the fifth century BC during the Bhir Mound era, two centuries before the area’s conquest by Alexander the Great.”

The artisans of Khanpur and neighbouring Taxila inherited the art and in turn passed it on to succeeding generations, keeping it alive, he added.

It was observed that these stone carvers were fully dependent on this art as their only source of livelihood. Recently, however, an increasing number of these carvers are finding it difficult to keep themselves physically intact due to the violation of their labour rights.

“My family has been in the business of making mortars for over 50 years and I make only Rs25 for chiselling black hard stone into a 10-inch mortar,” said Nazakat, a local stone carver. He added that he barely completes five to six mortars before handing the consignment over to the owner, who applies the finishing touches.

“For every 14 inches of mortar an artisan receives Rs35, while it takes an entire day chiselling four or five mortars,” Nazakat said, adding that the income generated is not enough to support his six children.

Ibrar Shah, another sculptor, said he has been making mortars for the last 18 years but is paid only Rs10 for a piece.

He lamented that the market rate of a 14-inch mortar was Rs350 and a 10-inch mortar cost Rs75 to Rs100, but the rate he was getting for decades was unchanged due to which most of the time he remained indebted to the contractor or the shop owner for running his kitchen.

Reportedly over 80 per cent of stone carvers have accepted an advance from contractors and are working as bonded labourers. “I have borrowed Rs100,000 to pay for my wife’s medical care. I am still unable to repay this sum and break myself free from this bond,” said a carver, on condition of anonymity.

It was also observed that these artisans are not provided any safety goggles or related measures to protect them from flying splinters, a source of various injuries. Workers are also at risk for contracting lung diseases due to the heavy dust inhaled during the process.

Additionally, they are not provided with a medical cover aside from taking a day off. Any sick leave taken is unpaid, resulting in a continuing difficulty paying off the rising debt. They are not covered under social security or registered with labour unions, due to which they are easy prey to exploitative contractors.

Qamar Hayat, a local social activist working for labour rights, stated that since stone carving was an industry in Pakistan, the carvers are entitled to all benefits, including a Rs7,000 minimum monthly wage. Benefits should also include social security, off days and sick leave with compensation under existing labour laws. He added that the lack of union facilities is the major reason behind the exploitation of artists at the hands of their employers.

He expressed his resolve to protect the rights of stone carvers and the importance of taking up the issue with local labour officials.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 23^rd, 2011.