Artworks run in the bloodstream of Kashmir. It would be rare to find a land equally rich in art forms and heritage. Woodcarving is one such speciality of Kashmir, which finds lovers in every part of the world. Walnut wood items constitute a major part of the souvenir collection available for tourists in the valley.

A large number of talented artisans are engaged in the craft, who strive to create beautiful masterpieces from walnut wood. Such a craftsman is Tahir Ahmad, a lean man in his mid forties, whose dexterity in carving walnut wood into items of exquisite beauty would take one’s breath away. 

Experts in cutting wood on a saw, designing and exhibiting the attractive hand-carved walnut wood articles; these craftsmen are second to none in making handmade household items. A resident of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, Ahmad says that woodcarving is painstaking and full time job that sometimes takes weeks, sometimes even months, to finish a piece.

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“We make dozens of items like table sets, tea trolleys, magazine racks, jewellery boxes, wall clocks, vases and jars. These items are made with great sophistication, elegance and meticulousness”, he says.

The history of woodcarving by hand in Kashmir is said to be thousands of years old. However, the artisans believe that new technological advances have put the art in jeopardy. The hand-crafted objects are losing popularity for their costs are higher as compared to machine produced goods.

 “The only threat we have been facing is due to technological advancements in this profession. There was a time, when a masterpiece was created on a walnut wood with many days of hard work and handicrafts. Now the same work is easily done on the other wood with machinery and computer graphics. Government must step in to save the art which is on the decline”, asserts Ahmad.

Manzoor Ahmad from Kangan is also known for making household items from walnut wood and also engraves beautiful flowers and Qur’anic versus on them. Stating that this wood never breaks during creation, Ahmad is of the opinion that the demand for such wooden products has been gradually diminishing.

 “The art has a historical importance in valley. In the past, masterpieces of art and civilisation have been created. Even today the best wood carved items are made in Kashmir”, he says.

“Youth is not interested in practicing this profession. The youth find this less profitable and look for alternatives. The art can only be preserved when the younger generation will accept it. If government pitches in, a lot can be changed,” says a hopeful Ahmad.