Kashmir Papier Mache

• 26 Dec 2024

Why in News? 

• Recently, The dodo has become a popular papier mache product in Srinagar. It was once native to Mauritius and a national emblem. 

 

 Key Points 

• Craftsmanship and Production: 
  • Creating large papier mache dodos in Kashmir’s workshops takes 5-10 days. 
  • The colourful designs, featuring floral and forest motifs, highlight the ecological causes of the dodo’s extinction. 
• History of Papier Mache in Kashmir: 
  • Papier-mâché is a traditional handicraft in Kashmir that involves the use of paper pulp to create colorful, intricately decorated objects. 
  • Origin: 
    • The tradition of papier-mâché in Kashmir is said to have begun in the 15th century when Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin invited artists and craftsmen from Central Asia to teach the locals their skills.  
  • Objects: 
    • Papier-mâché objects in Kashmir can include vases, bowls, cups, boxes, trays, and lamp bases. They are often coated in lacquer to protect them from water and make them more durable.  
  • Designs: 
    • Popular designs include the Hazara pattern, which is meant to depict every type of flower, and the Gul-i-wilayat pattern, which features flowers, stems, foliage, and sometimes birds.  
  • Protection: 
    • The Government of India protects papier-mâché under the Geographic Indication Act of 1999.  

 Dodos 

 

• Scientific name: Raphus cucullatus 
• Characteristics: It had grayish feathers and a distinctive large, hooked beak. 
• Habitat: Endemic to the island of Mauritius and lived in forests. 
• Evolutionary History: It evolved to be flightless due to the absence of predators on Mauritius. 
  • The dodo likely had strong running abilities. 
• Extinction: Extinct in 1681.