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Tuesday March 19, 2024

Bangladeshi handicrafts showcased

By Ishrat Hyatt
February 20, 2018

Islamabad: Handicrafts showcase the talent of an artisan - a worker in a skilled trade, especially one that involves making things by hand – and each country has men and women creating special, hand crafted items that are unique, though similarity of design and material may exist to some extent.

To showcase some of the handicrafts of their country, the high commissioner of Bangladesh, Tarik Ahsan and spouse, Mahjabeen Ahsan organized a display of a collection of handicraft practices from their country that have been carried on for centuries. The event was held at the Serena Hotel and attended by a large number of invitees who were greeted by the hosts on arrival.

Lunch was also served with a variety of cuisine, which also included Bangladeshi specialties like vegetable ‘biryani’ (rice) sweet yogurt laced with saffron and ‘ras gullas’ (a delicious concoction of cottage cheese, semolina dough and sugar syrup).

The meal was served on the rooftop terrace since it was a warm spring day - and it has to be said, the bright splash of colour of saris worn by ladies of the mission added to the spring like atmosphere. Guests enjoyed sitting in the sun, though those ladies who had been to the hairdresser for hair styling must have regretted doing so as there was a strong breeze blowing as well!

Listed below are a few handicrafts that Bangladesh has specialized in, not all of which were on display. ‘Nakshi Kantha,’ a centuries old practice, is quilts made from old clothes embellished with colourful embroidery work - the term ‘nakshi’ meaning decorative patterns. ‘Pottery and Terracotta’ - the culture of pottery making in Bengal dates from the same time as the Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa civilisations. The art of ‘Tant’ has survived though the ages. The Mughals made Tant sarees famous in Dhaka and now they are one of the most affordable garments for women. ‘Muslin’ is a cotton fabric that is adored globally. There are many types of muslin and ‘Jamdani’ (a Persian word meaning flower vase) is a special kind. One of the most timeless and skill driven handicrafts in Bangladesh, it is listed as one of the ‘Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity’ by UNESCO. ‘Silk’ - Rajshahi silk was previously known as the ‘Ganges Silk’ because of its fine quality.

Bamboo -- everyday items like mats, stools, baskets, hand fans and even houses are often made from bamboo because it is cheaper and because of their light weight and durability. ‘Shital Pati’ floor mats are cool to the touch. They are woven from the fibers of a plant, have patterns and are often used for decorations in the house. ‘Jute’ is a fiber derived from a robust plant, making it easy to cultivate and is extremely versatile. It is used to make different items like hammocks, handbags, slippers etc.

The ‘lungi’ is a common attire of comfort for almost every Bangladeshi man. These are tubular pieces of cloth worn around the waist, typically worn in hot countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar, etc. Dhaka ‘lungis’ are renowned around the world. Other handicrafts on display were leather good and embroidered items.