Development of handicraft sector in South Khorasan Province, a must
The revival, development and preservation of handicrafts, most of which are indigenous and unique to a particular region, have always been regarded as an effective and low-cost way to generate employment. In fact, handicrafts have a great potential for entrepreneurship in various parts of the country.
Experts believe that both the production and sale are of great significance for developing the handicraft sector. They say all available means should be employed to introduce various handcrafts of the country, which are of great cultural, artistic and economic importance, according to IRNA.
Due to its cultural and historical richness, the eastern province of South Khorasan, which is home to many historical and natural attractions, can play a very significant role in the field of handicraft production and growth.
Out of 299 fields of handicrafts currently practiced across Iran, 120 are produced in the province. Thanks to efforts undertaken by the craftspeople of the province, a number of forgotten handicrafts, such as pelas-bafi (weaving a type of traditional floor covering), and giveh-douzi (sewing a type of traditional footwear) have been revived during the past two years. Moreover, tow-bafi (towel weaving), a popular handicraft of the province, mostly carried out by local women, has many customers abroad.
South Khorasan is famed for its exquisite rugs and carpets woven in its various villages according to know-now inherited from generation to generation.
However, lack of branding is the main challenge faced by those engaged in the handicraft sector of the province. This is while a major number of craftspeople are locals who have no knowledge of marketing practices.
Masoud Shojaeian, a handicraft artist who is active in the field of moaraq-kari (wood engraving), referred to the livelihood condition of those living in the province and said that the handicrafts, which are presently classified as luxury goods, are not among the basic needs of people.
He noted that efforts should be made to promote the culture of using handicrafts in the community, pointing out that granting loan facilities to those involved in the industry is another strategy which should be adopted to boost the sector.
Abulfazl Hassani, another craft artisan engaged in qalam-zani (engraving) said that supporting handicraft producers for marketing their products is among the most important steps which should be taken by the officials.
He noted that craftworks have not adequately been promoted in the community, pointing out that handicraft production alone is not cost-effective; a market must be found to supply them.
He noted that qalam-zani is among the most popular arts of the country, which is presently facing marketing and sale problems.