Recognizing the Artisans of Uttar Pradesh

  #HundredHandicraftsUP

All of the seventy-five districts of Uttar Pradesh/ India contribute towards the over one hundred arts and crafts currently practiced in the state. This initiative has done a comprehensive mapping of 107 different handicrafts which are being made by hundreds of thousands of artisans across UP. It is the first ever mapping of all these arts and crafts together in one repertoire from the 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh. 

The crafts persons, both men and women, skillfully use this large variety of raw materials including cotton, wool, silk yarn, thread, fabric, clay, glass, stone, wood, bone, horn, brass, gold, silver, various metals, precious/semi-precious gemstones, paper, flowers, cane, bamboo, grass, jute, leather,marble, paint, ink, dyes, resin, wax, others. They make an array of exquisite handcrafted textiles, carpets, rugs, embroideries, saris, shawls, clothes, jewelry, shoes, bags and other accessories, furniture, statues, household and home décor products, pottery, dinnerware, paintings and perfumerie items among others. Also check-out our FaceBook page @ https://www.facebook.com/HandicraftsofUP/ for updates and contributions.

Just think if the millions of artisans had to give up their craft and move to other professions what would be the resulting loss to the State’s heritage,economy and skill repertoire? This initiative calls for strengthened attention to the crafts persons, their well-being, livelihoods and their rights. We urge you to always inquire and ensure that you buy only from ‘fair trade’ shops/outfits who give adequate remuneration and a share of their profits to the artisans. Enjoy #HundredHandicraftsUP

Farah Usmani
Editor, Handicrafts of Uttar Pradesh