In a step towards preserving Tibetan arts and crafts, the Dastakari Haat Samiti has given Tibetan artisans an opportunity to showcase their products at the Dastkari Haat Craft Bazaar being held at Dilli Haat.
In an initiative called “Arts of Friendship”, these crafts persons have been sharing their expertise and knowledge with their Indian counterparts from Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Jaya Jaitly, known for her pioneering work in the crafts sector, has in the past invited Pakistani, Afghani and Egyptian crafts persons to work in a kind of jugalbandi with indigenous artisans at the annual Crafts Bazaar. This year, she notes, “We have chosen the Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh as part of this initiative because it has Buddhist traditions. Artisans from Arunachal share the same motifs as their Tibetan counterparts so there is a common ground. Apart from regular sale and showcasing of craftsmanship, we are also conducting workshops to encourage interaction, exchange of ideas between Indian and Tibetan artisans. So that both can benefit from sharing knowledge and working together.”
The underlying aim behind this initiative seems to be to bring these Tibetan artisans, who earn their livelihood in adverse circumstances, into the mainstream where they can find a suitable, bigger and more profitable market for their art.
“Exactly,” agrees Jaitly. “This is the reason why we have invited them here. Right now, the average Delhiite thinks of Tibetans as demonstrators at Jantar Mantar or sweater sellers at Majnu Ka Tilla. We are interested in their economic well being and providing them a space which gives them wider visibility instead of working in isolation. At the workshop they have already ended up creating lamp shades and carpets.”
“ Our participation gives us more acceptability. Tibetan and Indian culture have similarities in terms of religion and mannerisms, way of living... ”
According to Tsering Deckyi, Tibetan artisans are participating not only to generate business but also to get exposure to arts and crafts with which they are not familiar. “Opening the doors of Dilli Haat is a great opportunity for our community. Our participation gives us more acceptability. Tibetan and Indian culture have similarities in terms of religion and mannerisms, way of living and respect and obedience towards elders,” says Deckyi.
Exquisite dolls are vying for attention. For the visitors it seems an ordinary doll but for the Tibetan community it is something unique.
“The doll represents a nomadic woman carrying milk. Her apron suggests that she is married. The apron has to be worn over the traditional dress. Nowadays, we wear them during fashion shows. But this doll represents our culture which we need to protect and preserve for the future generation,” says Tenzin Choezin, a fashion blogger, supporting her parent’s initiative.
(The bazaar continues till January 15)
