Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Nov 9: Once widely celebrated, the traditional craft of willow wicker weaving, known as Kani Kaem, is at risk of disappearing in the Kashmir valley with artisans stating that the craft is witnessing a steep decline.
Mohammad Maqbool Shah, a dedicated artisan with over two decades of experience in the craft, sharing his concerns, said that the art, once widely celebrated, has seen a steep decline.
“Today, people are moving towards cheaper plastic alternatives, forgetting the beauty and durability of willow wicker,” he said. He said that the demand for handcrafted willow products like baskets and trays has significantly dropped due to rising production costs and the influx of cheaper materials.
“The younger generation is not interested in this work. They look for opportunities outside of traditional crafts because it is hard to make a decent living from this now,” said Maqbool, reflecting on the future of Kani Kaem.
He said that this is not just a craft but a part of their cultural heritage. “If we lose this, we lose a piece of our identity,” he said, addressing the challenges facing the craft.
Pertinently, Kani Kaem is the local name for the willow wicker craft in Kashmir. Kani Kaem has a rich history in Kashmir, dating back centuries.
This traditional art form, practiced primarily in the region’s rural areas, involves crafting various items, from baskets to furniture, using the region’s naturally abundant willow trees. Passed down through generations, willow wicker weaving has become an integral part of Kashmir’s cultural heritage.
