How Bone Carvers In India Are Keeping A Prehistoric Art Alive | Still Standing | Business Insider

Summary

The script explores the ancient art of bone carving in Lucknow, India, tracing its roots to the 16th century. Despite challenges like material scarcity and legal restrictions, artisans like Jalaluddin Akhtar continue the craft, passing it down through generations. The Akhtar family adapts to modern times by teaching workshops and exploring social media to sell their intricate, architecturally inspired bone creations, which range from lampshades to perfume holders, priced from $200 to over $1,000.

Takeaways

• 🗿 Bone carving is an ancient art form that dates back to prehistoric times and has been practiced in India since at least the 16th century.
• 👑 Historically, royals commissioned bone carvings as a substitute for ivory, which was scarce and expensive.
• 🔨 The craft has faced challenges due to material scarcity and legal restrictions, leading to a decline in practitioners.
• 🏠 Jalaluddin Akhtar, a bone carver in Lucknow, India, stores bones on his rooftop and has had to adapt his sourcing methods.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 The art has been passed down in Jalaluddin's family for over 50 years, and he has witnessed significant changes in the industry.
• 🛠 The process of bone carving involves multiple steps, including cutting, shaping, and polishing, often with limited access to electricity.
• 💡 Bone carvers now have to perform all stages of production themselves due to the decline in specialized workers.
• 🏺 The Akhtar family uses traditional and modern techniques, such as boiling bones with baking soda and using a buffing machine for polishing.
• 🏛 Bone carving designs often reflect architectural styles from the Mughal empire, showing a deep cultural heritage.
• 🏆 The Akhtar family has received recognition and support from the government, including a national award and international exposure.
• 📉 However, changes in government policies and restrictions on slaughterhouses have negatively impacted the availability of raw materials and the industry's growth.
• 🌐 The family is adapting to modern times by exploring social media as a platform to sell their work and reach a global audience.
• 📚 The Akhtars are also involved in teaching workshops, supported by government initiatives to preserve the art form.

Q & A

What is the historical background of bone carving in India?

Bone carving in India dates back to prehistoric times, with artisans turning buffalo bones into art since at least the 16th century, when royals commissioned works in ivory.

Why has the bone carving craft seen a decline in recent years?

The craft has declined due to scarcity of materials and legal restraints, which have pushed people away from the craft.

How does Jalaluddin Akhtar store his bone stock?

Jalaluddin Akhtar stores bones out on the roof of his home, with enough stock to last him six months.

What changes have occurred in the source of bone materials for Jalaluddin?

Previously, bones were widely available from traders in large warehouses, but now Jalaluddin has to obtain them from butchers.

How did Jalaluddin learn the art of bone carving?

Jalaluddin learned the art of bone carving from his uncle in 1980, and it has been in his family for over 50 years.

What is the significance of the process of boiling bones with baking soda?

Boiling bones with baking soda is part of the preparation process to clean and treat the bones before they are crafted into art pieces.

Why do some bone carvers in India find it difficult to use electric tools?

Electricity is expensive and sometimes unreliable in parts of India, making it difficult for some bone carvers to afford tools like electric sanders.

What role did the government play in supporting bone carving in the past?

The government supported the craft by providing funding and sending artisans like Jalaluddin to international events to showcase their work.

How has the restriction on slaughterhouses affected the bone carving industry?

The restriction on slaughterhouses in 2017 forced many to shut down, cutting off the artists' bone supply and making raw materials too expensive for the small market.

What initiatives are being taken to preserve the art of bone carving?

The government is running an initiative to save the art by funding workshops where the Akhtar family teaches the craft to people in the community.

How does the Akhtar family plan to expand their market reach?

The Akhtar family is looking to sell their work through social media and export most of their products to foreign customers.