The New Nation - Internet Edition

Sheikh Arif Bulbon

“A country's identity is intimately linked to the unique expressions of its culture through its arts and crafts. The Bangladeshi craftspeople have a long tradition of using the technology of the hand to create a vast array of crafts. Irrespective of the materials used, wood or bamboo, clay or stone, silk or cotton, our craftspeople have applied great ingenuity and skill to make out of mundane materials, works of great beauty and joy. Some of the crafts are peculiar to this deltaic plain such as the Nakshi Kantha, Muslin and Jamdani, Filigree work, and many more. We have also, from time to time, brought in crafts and techniques from other parts of the subcontinent, for example, tie dye, which our craftspeople have creatively adapted and made their own. Aarong has helped to successfully develop these and many other crafts through research and innovation in design and technique with a constant focus on quality improvements," said Tamara Abed, Director of Aarong and Ayesha Abed Foundation (AAF), at the inauguration of a two-week long Nakshi Kantha exhibition organised by Aarong to celebrate the 30 years of Aarong at National Art Gallery of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

The exhibition was inaugurated on July 15. Prof Mohammad Kibria, Tamara Abed, Muhammad A (Rumee) Ali, Managing Director of BRAC Enterprise, Chandra Shekhar Shaha, Consultant of the 30 the anniversary exhibition series of Aarong, among others, were present at the inauguration.

Apart from Kanthas collected from different parts of the country, the exhibition will show off an extensive collection of Aarong products using different traditional Nakshi Kantha. These items include saris, shalwar kameez, 'Taaga,' shirts and kurtas for men, Punjabis, shawls, bed sheets, cushion covers, wall hangings, lamp hangings and shades and jewellery boxes and others.

In 1978, Aarong and its production centre AAF took the initiative to revive the country-old traditional art of Nakshi Kantha. Over the past 30 years, through its persistent efforts in promoting Nakshi Kantha art, Aarong has empowered rural women and given them financial independence.

On the day of inauguration, eight women artisans selected by AAF were awarded the 'Master Craftsperson Award' for their excellence and dedication in 'Kantha Stitching.' A crest and a cheque worth Tk 20,000 was given to each of the artisans by Aarong.

Tamara Abed said, "Aarong's mission is twofold - to develop and promote the traditional crafts of Bangladesh and to create jobs for rural women. Aarong now supports the livelihoods of 60,000 artisans, more than half of whom are employed by AAF's 13 production centres and 653 subcentres."

Aarong' relationship with Nakshi Kantha has been one over almost 30 years. Aarong recognises that craft is as much an economic activity as it is a cultural one and that the centre of the craft development process is the expansion of the market opportunity. Hence Aarong has made a continuous effort in linking crafts to fashion and to the market, both at home and abroad, said Tamara.

At present, more than 16,000 women artisans at Aarong are earning a sustainable livelihood through the art of Nakshi Kantha alone. Usually this art of stitching was embroidered on layers of discarded saris with the depiction of traditional motifs and forms. The magnificent portrayal of the life in the rural areas gradually became an embroidered art on the urban walls.

Through innovative designs and uses created by Aarong, the traditional Nakshi Kantha is now worn as designer clothing, used in handbags and many other adornments and items of daily use.

The exhibition will end on July 29 from 9:00am to 7:00pm.