Kashmiri Artisans give Wings to the Dodo in Papier Mache

Kashmiri Artisans use modern images to create detailed dodo models. Floral prints on the models symbolize deforestation leading to the bird's extinction.

Context: Kashmir’s papier-mâché artisans are reviving the extinct dodo by crafting colourful models decorated with symbolic floral and forest prints. These handcrafted dodos are in high demand, particularly in Europe and Mauritius.

About Dodo

Dodo was a flightless bird that lived on the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean.
It was declared extinct in 1681 , just 70-80 years after its discovery by Portuguese and Dutch sailors.
It was a large, plump bird covered in soft, grey feathers, with a plume of white at its tail.
The closest living relative of the dodo bird is the Nicobar pigeon, which lives on the ground.

Causes of Extinction

Hunting: The dodo was an easy target for the sailors, who killed it for its flesh.
Habitat loss: As human settlements increased, the dodo’s natural habitat was destroyed.
Introduction of other animals: The settlers brought other animals to the island, such as monkeys, pigs, dogs and rats, which hunted the dodo.

About Papier- Mache Craft

It is a traditional handicraft of the Kashmir Valley, introduced in the 14th century by the Muslim saint Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani from Persia.
It involves making paper pulp from recycled paper. It is also known for its rich colours and decorations, which often depict flora and fauna, geometrical patterns etc.
Common products: Vases, bowls, cups, boxes, trays, lamp bases etc.
Kashmiri papier-mache is protected under the Geographic Indication Act 1999 & also covered under the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.