The usttad project (Upgrading the Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/ Crafts for Development) is an initiative of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India to preserve and promote India's rich heritage of handicrafts, by upgrading the skills of the craftsmen, and training them to become trainers of the next generation. In this project, nid was invited as a knowledge partner to support the craftsmen with new insights on design and technology. As a team of designers, our role was to work with the papier mâché craftsmen in Kashmir, learning the practice and knowledge systems embedded in the craft culture and enhance their products and production processes through design interventions.
Figure. An image of a table lamp, from the photoshoot of products by Shubham Singh at nid Ahmedabad, 2017
The project consisted of two workshops at the craft development institute in Srinagar, Kashmir and one workshop at nid Ahmedabad. The first two workshops involved learning the production processes involved in Sakthasaazi (paper pulp molding) and Nakaashi (decorative painting), and teaching concepts of design thinking to the craftsmen. Through a process of co-design and experimentation with new methods, product ranges were designed and produced that highlighted the inherent functionality of the materials used and the rich context of Kashmir where they are produced. The products were further enhanced with functional additions in the form of mechanical, electrical and electronic components, previously never used in Kashmiri papier mâché products.
Figure. A craftsman developing intricate floral patterns on a product at the Craft Development Institute, Srinagar, 2017
The third workshop held at nid Ahmedabad focused on introducing the craftsmen to new technology, production processes and materials that could be used to enhance the efficiency of their own production processes as well as serve as a springboard for innovation. The purpose was to transition the craftsmen from the role of producers of papier mâché products to become designers, innovators and leaders in the craft of papier mâché, spearheading the revival of this age-old tradition.
Figure. Exhibition of product ranges at nid Ahmedabad, 2019
As designers, our role in this project was to introduce the craftsmen to the practices of design and creative problem solving and collaborate with the craftsmen in developing new ranges of products through the application of papier mâché craft practices. The project resulted in the creation of diverse ranges of products, including table-top accessories, wall-hangings, jewellery, furniture and lighting solutions, toys, souvenirs and trophies.
Figure. Tableware, exhibition of product ranges at nid Ahmedabad, 2019
The project continues to develop in the form of a cooperative created by Burhan along with the papier mâché craftsmen in Srinagar, exploring new avenues for crafting solutions in papier mâché. For more information about the products, or to engage with the cooperative you can contact Burhan at burhan.khateeb@gmail.com.
Figure. Wall clock, from the photoshoot of products by Shubham Singh at nid Ahmedabad, 2017
Figure. Tableware, from the photoshoot of products by Shubham Singh at nid Ahmedabad, 2017
Figure. Trophy for skiing tournaments, popular in Kashmir, from the photoshoot of products by Shubham Singh at nid Ahmedabad, 2017
Figure. Card holder, from the photoshoot of products by Shubham Singh at nid Ahmedabad, 2017
Figure. Decorative item, a depiction of a shikara (traditional Kashmiri boat) in the Dal lake, made in papier mâché, from the exhibition of product ranges at nid Ahmedabad, 2019
