The Deshamanya Siva Obeyesekera Crafts Gallery was declared open along with an exhibition of traditional and contemporary ‘Dumbara Weaving from Menikhinna’ on October 18. Chief among the large gathering of invitees, was President of the World Craft Council (WCC), Mrs. Usha Krishna, who as chief guest declared open the exhibition.
Dumbara weaving by the craftsmen from Menikhinna - traditional mats and wall hangings in attractive and eye-catching designs, also many contemporary items, handbags and evening purses in attractive colours, with a single traditional motif, looked really smart. Stationery items with woven covers, tablemats, cushion covers and much more, completed the collection. The exhibition which continues until November 20, is well worth a visit.
Usha Krishna says WCC, an international organization, now affiliated to UNESCO, is the only such NGO in the crafts field. She has been involved in the promotion of crafts for the past 35 years.
“The Asia Pacific Region is very active in traditional crafts,” Mrs. Krishna says. The area that is lacking is Africa she added. “The thrust area this year is Africa.” She says the WCC is visiting African destinations such as Lusaka and Burkhina Faso, where there is a large crafts fair.
“We are trying to meet the governments and initiate some activity. The main thing is networking capability.”
Another distinguished guest at the exhibition was Vijaya Rajan, Chairperson of the Crafts Council of India. A former president of the Asia Pacific Region of the WCC, she is now on the Advisory Board of WCC. Mrs. Rajan has been involved with crafts for over 40 years. “I have been associated with Siva through Kamala Devi Chattopadyaya, a pioneer in developing Indian handicrafts,” said Mrs. Rajan. “All Asian countries have their own handicrafts and handlooms,” she continued.
“Some crafts such as mat weaving and laqcuer work for instance are common to several countries but each has its own styles and methods. It would be good if we can have workshops, where crafts people of different countries can interact.” She emphasized the need to contemporize the products for the younger generation, retaining the techniques and motifs of the crafts. “If we want the children of crafts people to continue in the traditional crafts, we have to convince them that it is a sustainable livelihood.”
Ghada Hijjawi-Qaddumi, had travelled from Kuwait to attend the opening of the Crafts Gallery and Exhibition. Senior Vice President of WCC Asia Pacific Region and Vice President for West Asia. Ms Ghada said governments in the Gulf are trying to revive handicrafts, mostly Beduin weaving. “We have an NGO for Bedouin weaving in Kuwait and the rest of the Gulf. Iran is very rich in all kinds of handicrafts. They are now trying to revive two of its main crafts – weaving with gold thread and velvet. Bahrain and Abu Dhabi are also reviving their crafts.”
“Whether they live on the plains or valleys or in isolated villages, the craftspeople do not want charity, Mrs. Krishna said.
“What they want is a chance to build up from within.” |
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