Palm weaving: A dying art in Quetta

QUETTA: With the rapid commercialisation of the society and influx of readily available products, the greatest blow has been felt by small scale household industries.

In such a scenario, the profession of weaving date palm fronds is slowly and steadily vanishing from Quetta. Palm weaving  is in itself an art form which requires hard work and talent.  

Humans have relied on their traditional habits to make utensils for themselves. Most palm weavers are known to make baskets, mats, utensil to keep roti warm and jharu (broom).

Palm weaving is quite an arduous task and requires patience and perseverance. To keep the industry valid, many weavers have also brought innovation in their designs too. Some even started making chandeliers with the fronds along with other decorative items.

The utensils not only have their own charm but are also quite cost effective.

However, as the demand of the palm weaving is decreasing, those employed in the industry seemed to be disappearing.

With increasing commercialisation, household utensils are being produced in plastic in huge numbers leading people affiliated with palm weaving to look for other means to earn their livelihood.

“Our livelihood has been gravely affected by plastic products, which are readily available in the market,” remarked palm weavers while making their sorrows heard to Geo News.