It all started with a folklore that we at Folksmarket heard
while a random visit to Rewa. The HH of Rewa Maharaja Gulab Singh was looking
for something to present to the British Commissioners as a symbolic token of
Rewa State. The grand-grandfather of Mr Yogest Kunder, thought of creating
something that symbols the Rewa State Culture viz respect and friendliness. And
he created a sword from nuts. HH Gulab Singh was amused. He asked the reason
and concept for creating such product. And the creator said, “HH what can be a
better souvenir than this sword, all made from nuts?” This sword according to
him described the valour and friendliness simultaneously.
It is the custom of
folks of Rewa to offer Beatle leaves and nuts to the visiting folks. This
symbolic gesture is the characteristic point of the Rewa folks. Not only this,
earlier folks here used to give beatle leaves and nuts while inviting other
folks on some auspicious occasions. It thus played an important part of the
lives of average folks here.
Slowly this art flourished and now-a-days dozens of the
artisans creates magnificent, rare products from the nuts and earn their
livelihood. One peek into the nut arts will take your breath away. Imagine the
bangles full size as woman accessories is made up of the number of tiny nuts.
One nut is small enough even for the ring!! Then swans or pair of birds or Taj
Mahal of 6”x6” or 12”x12” square inches is a visual treat. A whole range of the
decorative items like Lamp, house, Lord Ganesha, Telephone stand etc. As we can
see these items serve the dual purpose; decoration and utility. There are some
innovative items like bangle holder and lamp. One item with triple benefits viz
decoration, utility and not to forget the rare skill displayed right in front
of your eyes to appreciate and amuse. These lamps from a casual look can be
confused for grapes hanging from the wood.!!
Each item like Taj Mahal are so detail oriented that given
the space even great Shah Jehan can be visible.!!! This is true for all the
items. Amazingly all with those seemingly not so catchy NUTS.
The artisans earlier used to do all the cutting, polishing,
smoothening from the hand. But now as the demand grows they have started using
the conveyor belt. Products are normally made as per the order and they do not
stock it in their homes. The skill is very fine and as slices of nuts are not
very hard, it takes more than experience and skill, the attitude, to design any
item. Although the education has no replacement, the tradition and culture of
such arts needs more protection than anticipated. The son of Yogesh Kunder is
no longer interested in such design. “My all friends are studying in good
school and none of them do this work as they consider this as inferior” was the
curt reply when the member of Folksmarket had asked about his nonchalant attitude
about this art whom his great great grandfather had started.
Yogesh and like him all the artisans who have grown up seeing these arts and adopted this as their family tradition are still folks with pride in their eyes. “As long as I am alive, I will not do anything but crafting designs from the nut”, said one artisan who sends his son to the convent school.
Once again the Folksmarket team found itself on the cross road of thoughts. What is good for the son of Yogesh? Is it going to a convent school where he will supposedly be prepared to join some white collar jobs or learning this rare arts which had sustained his generations for so long and given an identity? Is there a middle way?
Well the answer is hard to find. But for the team Folks M, it is a milestone which enabled us to appreciate the skills of the folks and give a reason to continue our Celebration of Folks!!
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