Kashmir Artisans Revive the Extinct Dodo in Papier Mâché 343 Years After Its Extinction

1. In December 2024, This Christmas, artisans in Srinagar, Kashmir, have brought a unique twist to the region's famed papier mâché craft by recreating the dodo, a bird that became extinct in 1681, just 80 years after human contact.
2. The bird, which once roamed the island of Mauritius, was driven to extinction due to overhunting and the destruction of its natural habitat.
3. Now, over three centuries later, Kashmir's artisans are giving the dodo a new lease of life through their vibrant papier mâché creations.

Key points:

1. The Dodo:

1. The dodo was a flightless bird, approximately three feet tall, with greyish-brown plumage and a large, hooked beak.
2. Native to the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, the dodo was fearless and had no natural predators before humans arrived.
3. Its inability to escape from hunters or defend itself against newly introduced animals like rats, pigs, and monkeys, coupled with rapid deforestation, led to its extinction by 1681.
4. The bird’s extinction is often seen as a symbol of human impact on nature and environmental degradation.
5. The dodo’s disappearance marks a tragic chapter in the history of wildlife conservation, making it a significant figure in discussions about extinct species and their environmental causes.

2. The Craft:

1. A papier mâché artisan from Srinagar’s Zadibal area, who has never seen a real dodo, first became familiar with its shape and size through images, later downloading photos from the internet.
2. The artisans recreate the bird with hooked tips and stout legs, which are then decorated with rich, dark green shades for the curly feathers and yellow for the tips.
3. Over 50,000 papier mâché dodos have already been exported this year, with a significant number heading to Europe and Mauritius, where the bird is deeply symbolic.

3. Importance of the Dodo in Mauritius:

1. The dodo was last seen in Mauritius, and it holds a national significance there, even being the country’s national emblem.
2. In recent years, demand for papier mâché dodos has been particularly high in Mauritius, with many dodo products being made for export to the island country.
3. These dodo figures come in various sizes, and the demand continues to grow.
4. One local workshop produced 3,000 dodos for this Christmas season to meet both domestic and international orders.

4. Artistic Details:

1. Floral and forest prints have become an important part of the dodo designs, with artisans adding these patterns to the papier mâché figures.
2. These prints symbolize the deforestation and environmental destruction that played a role in the bird’s extinction.
3. The dodo’s plumage, typically gray or brown in historical records, is often rendered in more vibrant, imaginative colors in the Kashmir pieces.
4. The dodo was a flightless bird, approximately three feet tall, known for its fearlessness and its inability to escape predators.
5. The revival of the bird in this medium reflects a deeper connection to nature and its conservation.

5. Historical Significance of Papier Mâché in Kashmir:

1. Kashmir has a long-standing tradition of papier mâché craftsmanship, dating back over 600 years.
2. The craft was heavily influenced by Persian art, and over time, it evolved into a distinctive style of its own, producing various decorative items such as boxes, plates, wall hangings, and figurines.
3. The introduction of the dodo into Kashmir’s craft scene is relatively recent.
4. It is believed that tourists from Mauritius introduced the idea around two decades ago.
5. There is no written record of who exactly brought the concept to Kashmir, but it is thought that these tourists saw potential in the local craft to create figures of the extinct bird.

6. Economic Impact and Global Reach:

1. The growing interest in papier mâché dodos has provided a fresh avenue for local artisans, boosting the craft industry and ensuring that Kashmir's long-standing traditions are passed down through generations.
2. This expansion into international markets, especially in places where the dodo is remembered, helps support the livelihoods of many families involved in the production of these crafts.
3. As demand increases, papier mâché artisans are creating hundreds of dodo figurines every year, ensuring that the memory of the bird is preserved and celebrated in a new, artistic form.
4. In addition to Mauritius and Europe, these dodo figures have also found buyers in the United States and other parts of the world.

Srinagar's "World Craft City" Tag:  Srinagar has officially earned the World Craft City (WCC) designation from the World Crafts Council (WCC), an organization dedicated to promoting craftsmanship and preserving cultural heritage globally. This recognition will enhance Kashmir’s connections with its historical craft centers in Central Asia and Iran, offering new growth opportunities for artisans. Key Data & Facts: World Craft City Designation: Srinagar is officially designated as a WCC-World Craft City. The World Crafts Council (WCC) conferred the title after a detailed tour of craft centers earlier in the year. The WCC Executive Board made the decision and informed officials of Jammu and Kashmir about the recognition. Historical Context of Srinagar’s Craft Heritage: Srinagar has a 4,000-year-old history of written records, making it a city with a rich cultural and craft heritage. The city has been renowned for creating masterpieces in various crafts, especially in shawls, carpets, papier mâché, and more. 14th Century Influence: The arrival of Persian and Central Asian artisans significantly impacted the local craft scene, introducing new techniques and designs, particularly in carpet weaving and textile arts. Cultural and Trade Linkages: Srinagar’s designation as a World Craft City is expected to revive traditional linkages with Central Asia and Iran. Historically, Kashmir’s crafts, especially carpets, were influenced by Persian artisans, with designs named after cities like Kashan and Tabriz. There are 14 Iranian cities listed as craft cities by the WCC, and Srinagar’s inclusion will foster cultural exchange and knowledge-sharing between these regions. Handicraft Sector Growth: Kashmir’s handicraft exports have surged in the past five years, with figures rising from Rs. 1,000 crores to Rs. 2,000 crores. This growth reflects a major boost to local artisans, contributing to economic development in the region. UNESCO Recognition: 2021: Srinagar earned the UNESCO Creative City title under Crafts and Folk Art, further cementing its reputation as a global hub for traditional crafts. The UNESCO title and the WCC designation together help raise Srinagar’s visibility on the international stage.

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