E-Kantipur

KATHMANDU, DEC 14 -

Among the ornamental items available in the market to decorate homes or workplaces, handicrafts made of easily available raw materials are popular worldwide.

The raw materials may be easily available, but the skill required to turn them into beautiful products is not something everybody possesses. Ranjan Rana, an official of Miracle Bamboo Crafts, Lazimpat said that it generally takes six months for a person to acquire the necessary skills to prepare necklaces from the fibre of bamboo and cane.

“One needs lots of patience and concentration to prepare these necklaces,” said Rana. “With the skill and time invested in the items, the cost is reasonable, though they seem to be a bit high.”

Although Miracle produces various other handicrafts like hair clips, folders, ashtrays, pen holders, bamboo furniture, souvenirs and others, recently the firm has been making ornamental goods and clothing.

Miracle also makes pullovers and sweaters from bamboo fibre. “We are receiving technical assistance from Chinese institutions for skill development of our craftsmen,” added Rana.

Similarly, handicrafts made by the Women’s Handicraft Production Group of Lamahi, Dang reflect traditional Tharu art. The raw material they use is straw found in the jungle.

The women’s group from Dang is trying to give an entrepreneurial touch to their age-old practices. “We are trying to advance our traditional skills for business purpose,” said Tripti Shikha Chaudhary, member of the group. “The Dang unit of the Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal is helping us in this regard.”  

The group offers traditional baskets like Dolchhi, Deluwa and Duitale Nuiya; all of which make excellent souvenirs.

According to Chaudhary, the Dolchhi is used in pujas while the Deluwa is used in marriage processions to carry the bride’s clothes.

Meanwhile, the group is having a tough time marketing its products due to the high cost of production. “It generally takes a lot of time to prepare a unit of these items,” said Chaudhary. “The time is the major cost determining factor in these crafts.” With the high price of the products, people hesitate to buy them immediately, added Chaudhary.

Today in our bazaar section, we are featuring handicrafts prepared from bamboo, cane and straw displayed at the week-long exhibition to promote handicrafts produced in different parts of Nepal. This second edition of the handicraft promotion week is being held at the secretariat of the Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal (FHAN).

Posted on: 2010-12-14 09:00

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