Traditional Crafts at the Risk of Dying

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Traditional Crafts at the Risk of Dying
https//akkaara.com.au/
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• Just look around you, and you are sure to find so
  much beauty in your vicinity. We are surrounded
  by so many wonderful things with such a rich
  history, which we often take for granted. Many
  and often, simple home interior decoration items
  are often crafted with great skill and come with
  a rich history that we know so little about. It
  could be those interior wall lights that you saw
  at an antique store, or the heirloom fine china
  that your mother gave you, there is a lot more
  than what meets the eye. Traditional art and
  craft is such an integral part of our life, and
  has been for a long time now. However, due to
  rapid industrialization and replacement of
  handmade products with machine made items, we are
  thoughtlessly replacing products that are made
  with great care and skill with products that are
  generic and made in thousands. These items are
  often generic looking, commonplace and are easily
  replaced with no emotional value attached to
  them.
• We as conscious individuals must understand that
  who we are and where we come from is deeply
  entwined with our culture and heritage. We come
  with a history that is painted in myriad shades
  with arts, crafts and skills that have been honed
  over many centuries.

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• It could be the kalamkari from Andhra Pradesh, or
  chikankari from Lucknow, we have many indigenous
  arts and crafts that have stood the test of time
  and evolved to suit the changing times. However,
  as mentioned earlier, we are being swept off our
  feet by high street brands, mass produced goods
  and machine made products that are becoming our
  preferred choice over products that have a rich
  tale to tell. It is due to this, and our constant
  desire to westernise our lives, that we are sadly
  letting our traditional crafts die. While this
  not only pushes artisans towards unemployment, it
  is also encouraging unsustainable practises which
  are often followed by large industries and
  brands.
• Here are some reasons why it is essential that we
  do everything we can to save traditional crafts
  from fading out of our lives and how we can do
  our bit for the same.

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1. Sustainability

• Most traditional crafts are created in a
  sustainable manner. As these practices have been
  handed down from generation to generation, a lot
  of natural products are still being used as was
  the practice earlier. Natural dyes, naturally and
  locally sourced raw material and small scale
  operation makes these products more sustainable
  and eco friendly. If you are someone who wishes
  to make a positive impact on our ecology, buying
  traditionally crafted home interior decoration
  items would be a great step in the right
  direction.
• 2. Providing employment
• Traditional art and craft is a rich part of our
  heritage that is handed down from one generation
  to the next. Many families are dependent on
  practising these crafts as their sole means of
  income. By choosing to buy something that is
  traditionally made, not only are you doing your
  bit to save our tradition, but you are also
  making a great difference in the life of artisans
  who are completely dependent on their skills.
  This not only helps the families who have always
  practised these crafts, but you are also
  encouraging art and craft enthusiasts to follow
  their passion in learning more about traditional
  crafts.

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3. Bring home a story

• High Street brands and large scale manufacturers
  are producing the same item in bulk quantities
  which makes them rather generic. But buying from
  an artisan and choosing to buy something that is
  traditionally crafted brings with it a story
  unlike any other. If you are someone who enjoys
  travelling, or someone who loves exploring
  diverse ideas, cultures and traditions- you are
  sure to be enamoured by the beauty of
  traditionally made items and what they can do to
  beautify your home. From picking decorative wall
  mirrors that are uniquely handcrafted on your
  travels to adding a piece of furniture that uses
  skills and techniques as used by our ancestors,
  your home is going to be full of stories and not
  mere products.
• 4. We are where we come from
• It is sad to see that our younger generations
  know so little about our history. Our lives are
  so heavily influenced by cultures from around the
  world, that we have little or no room for our own
  heritage in our lives. If you are a parent who
  believes that we need to educate our children and
  help them connect to our roots, bringing home
  traditionally crafted items could be the first
  step in that direction.

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• Not only does it pique the interest of young
  minds, it also teaches them to respect and value
  their rich history while staying in tune with
  modern times. No matter where they go or what
  they choose to pursue in their lives, the
  environment of their home will help them stay
  connected to their roots and you can play a big
  role in it by choosing your home decor wisely.
  Educating them about our history, about the
  diversity that we come from and to teach them to
  take pride in our lineage lies in our hands.
• We may not be using large pots to store water
  anymore, but we do not have to miss out on the
  benefits of using certain metals in our everyday
  lives just because of the changing trends.
  Traditional crafts are quickly adapting to modern
  times. From copper jugs, to terracotta bottles,
  from classic bidari work decor items to beautiful
  brass planters, you can choose from a wide
  variety of home interior decoration items that
  are made using traditional ideas and practices.
  Beautify your home with products that are unique,
  classic and elegant while doing whatever you can
  to prevent the death of our heritage. Times
  change, trends change, but who we are and where
  we come from remains. We as conscious individuals
  must take the initiative to not only learn more,
  but to also encourage and to educate others about
  the many benefits of using hand made products.

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THANK YOU