Rapid Fire
Kashmir's Papier Mache Revives the Dodo
- 30 Dec 2024
- 2 min read
Papier mache artisans in Srinagar are crafting and exporting large quantities of dodo figurines, primarily to Mauritius (where the dodo was native and is a national symbol) and Europe around Christmas 2024.
- Dodo:
- The dodo (Raphus cucullatus) is an extinct (since 1681) flightless bird that was endemic to the island of Mauritius, which is east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean.
- It belonged to the Columbidae family (doves and pigeons).
- It became extinct due to human activity and the introduction of invasive species like pigs, rats, and cats, which preyed on its eggs and chicks.
- Papier Mache Art:
- Papier mache, a 600-year-old handicraft in Kashmir, involves the use of paper pulp to create colorful, intricately decorated objects.
- This craft has its origins to the 15th century under King Zain-ul-Abidin, who invited Central Asian artisans.
- Traditionally influenced by Persian motifs, the craft recently incorporated dodos, introduced around two decades ago, possibly by Mauritian tourists.
- Other Crafts of Kashmir:
- Seven Kashmiri crafts, including carpets, pashmina, sozni, kani shawls, walnut wood carving, khatamband, and papier mache, have got Geographical Indication (GI) tags.
Read More: Cultural Exchange and Growth of Kashmir's Craft Industry, Human-induced Extinction of Dodo
