Just look around you, and you are sure to find so much beauty in your vicinity. We are surrounded by so many wonderful things with such a rich history, which we often take for granted. Many and often, the simple home interior decoration items are often crafted with great skill and come with a rich history that we know so little about. It could be those interior wall lights that you saw at an antique store or the heirloom fine china that your mother gave you, there is a lot more than what meets the eye. Traditional art and craft is such an integral part of our life and has been for a long time now. However, due to the rapid industrialization and replacement of handmade products with machine-made items, we are thoughtlessly replacing products that are made with great care and skill with products that are generic and made in thousands. These items are often generic-looking, commonplace, and are easily replaced with no emotional value attached to them.
We as conscious individuals must understand that who we are and where we come from is deeply entwined with our culture and heritage. We come with a history that is painted in myriad shades with arts, crafts, and skills that have been honed over many centuries. It could be the kalamkari from Andhra Pradesh or chikankari from Lucknow, we have many indigenous arts and crafts that have stood the test of time and evolved to suit the changing times. However, as mentioned earlier, we are being swept off our feet by high street brands, mass-produced goods and machine-made products that are becoming our preferred choice over products that have a rich tale to tell. It is due to this, and our constant desire to westernize our lives, that we are sadly letting our traditional crafts die. While this not only pushes artisans towards unemployment, it is also encouraging unsustainable practices which are often followed by large industries and brands.
Here are some reasons why it is essential that we do everything we can to save traditional crafts from fading out of our lives and how we can do our bit for the same.
1. Sustainability
Most traditional crafts are created in a sustainable manner. As these practices have been handed down from generation to generation, a lot of natural products are still being used as was the practice earlier. Natural dyes, naturally and locally sourced raw material, and small scale operation make these products more sustainable and eco friendly. If you are someone who wishes to make a positive impact on our ecology, buying traditionally crafted home interior decoration items would be a great step in the right direction.
2. Providing employment
Traditional art and craft are a rich part of our heritage that is handed down from one generation to the next. Many families are dependent on practicing these crafts as their sole means of income. By choosing to buy something that is traditionally made, not only are you doing your bit to save our tradition, but you are also making a great difference in the life of artisans who are completely dependent on their skills. This not only helps the families who have always practiced these crafts, but you are also encouraging art and craft enthusiasts to follow their passion for learning more about traditional crafts.
3. Bring home a story
High Street brands and large scale manufacturers are producing the same item in bulk quantities which makes them rather generic. But buying from an artisan and choosing to buy something that is traditionally crafted brings with it a story unlike any other. If you are someone who enjoys traveling, or someone who loves exploring diverse ideas, cultures, and traditions- you are sure to be enamored by the beauty of traditionally made items and what they can do to beautify your home. From picking decorative wall mirrors that are uniquely handcrafted on your travels to adding a piece of furniture that uses skills and techniques as used by our ancestors, your home is going to be full of stories and not mere products.
4. We are where we come from
It is sad to see that our younger generations know so little about our history. Our lives are so heavily influenced by cultures from around the world, that we have little or no room for our own heritage in our lives. If you are a parent who believes that we need to educate our children and help them connect to our roots, bringing home traditionally crafted items could be the first step in that direction. Not only does it pique the interest of young minds, but it also teaches them to respect and value their rich history while staying in tune with modern times. No matter where they go or what they choose to pursue in their lives, the environment of their home will help them stay connected to their roots and you can play a big role in it by choosing your home decor wisely. Educating them about our history, about the diversity that we come from, and to teach them to take pride in our lineage lies in our hands.
We may not be using large pots to store water anymore, but we do not have to miss out on the benefits of using certain metals in our everyday lives just because of the changing trends. Traditional crafts are quickly adapting to modern times. From copper jugs to terracotta bottles, from classic bidari work decor items to beautiful brass planters, you can choose from a wide variety of home interior decoration items that are made using traditional ideas and practices. Beautify your home with products that are unique, classic, and elegant while doing whatever you can to prevent the death of our heritage. Times change, trends change, but who we are and where we come from remains. We as conscious individuals must take the initiative to not only learn more but to also encourage and to educate others about the many benefits of using hand made products.
