Culture and Conflict: A Reflection by Aamir Ganaie

Jammu and Kashmir, a region with an extraordinary past, intertwines its art, craft, and culture. Women have dedicatedly guarded the customary art and craft of Jammu and Kashmir- a significant ingredient of its rich culture. The territory is well-known for producing exceptional handicrafts through conventional skills and techniques. Papier-mâché products, Pashmina shawls, carpets, embroidery as well as woodwork are amongst the most sought-after handicrafts made here. The women from this region have been paramount in preserving these handcrafts while promoting them worldwide. The womenfolk of Jammu and Kashmir possess incredible talents in a variety of crafts. Several among them came together to form cooperatives and self-help groups to lend support to one another while endorsing their masterpieces. These groups have played an essential part unfurling opportunities for womenfolk to showcase their abilities along with marketing their goods using various platforms. In Jammu and Kashmir, crafting delicate and exquisite shawls from the wool of Pashmina goats is a renowned handicraft. Highly skilled female artisans in this region use traditional techniques like handloom weaving and embroidery to craft unique designs and patterns on these shawls. These skilled craftspeople also engage in papier-mâché, an art form that has been passed down for several generations by practicing detailed designs with a mixture of water, glue, and paper pulp. Jammu and Kashmir is renowned not only for its artistry but also for its culinary excellence in addition to handicrafts. Unquestionably, the region epitomizes itself with a rich and flavourful gastronomy, including savoury delights like Rogan Josh, Yakhni, and Wazwan. With their irreplaceable contributions, women have been the driving force behind preserving these age-old dishes and popularizing them among upcoming generations. The “Culture and Conflict” project places a great emphasis on the important resource that is the women artisans’ hidden stories. These experiences are crucial to understanding crafts not just as objects, but also as sites of identity, healing, transformation, and peace. The project recognizes the significance of using feminist theory, peace-building practice and experiential methodology to create a comprehensive framework for transformational learning. In so doing, it establishes a robust foundation for individuals to embark on their personal journeys towards growth and development. This piece features reflections from researcher Aamir Ganaie about their work with communities as part of this project.
Culture and Conflict: A Reflection by Aamir Ganaie