Vanishing Realm of Basketry in Punjab

Since its origin man has started weaving his dreams into reality. He acquired the beautiful art of obtaining, assembling and integrating the material found in nature to create articles of daily use. With a disposition to weave he observed in vegetable fibres something supple and flexible like grass. Out of it he produced Baskets, Chhabas, Chhikus (containers) of different shapes having lids, Chhaj and Tokries etc Different types of baskets, interlaced work, knitting and embroidery added to the Dowry of the bride. Bohias, Chikkus also served as an air conditioning containers for Chapaties (Indian traditional bread) to be preserved. With the passage of time the best communities of artisans came but got destroyed in the invasions particularly in Punjab. Natural calamities also added woes to worries in this field. Consequently the children of the artisans are helpless to prefer jobs to their legacy of basketry. It is not only difficult but impossible also to compete with the products of modern machine. However there is a ray of hope that love of handmade articles will surely save the craft from going out of breath in its race with the machine. Society must be sensitive to its sustainability. It is suggested that government and the NGOs must initiate to revive, promote and preserve this craft. This beautiful token, the spirit of our forefathers’ culture and its creators- the artisans must be saved.