IN KASHMIR, a centuries-old tradition is in crisis. The artisans who create intricate papier-mâché Christmas decorations for the international market are grappling with a sharp decline in business, caused by the ripple effect of the Russia-Ukraine and Middle Eastern wars.

The craft of papier-mâché, which dates back to the 14th century, is part of Kashmir’s cultural identity and a significant source of income for the Muslim artisans. Geopolitical tensions are disrupting global supply chains, however, and demand has dwindled.

For centuries, the artisans have made by hand a wide variety of items from masks and toys to the globally famous Christmas decorations. Every year, artisans in Srinagar make Santa Claus figures, reindeer, angels, Christmas-tree toys, crosses, and other festive ornaments. These are exported to the United States, the UK, France, and other countries.

The prints or patterns range from traditional to modern, and part of the attraction of the work is the delicacy of many of the designs. A worker at Shah Handicrafts said that, once the painting was complete, a layer of varnish was applied, to give a smooth, glossy look and enhance durability, although the work had its downside. “The smell of paint often leaves us feeling unwell, causing colds and flu,” he said.

The impact of the war on these artisans extends far beyond its financial toll. Papier-mâché is more than a livelihood for these artisans: it is a way of life that ties them to their ancestors and their community. Many wonder whether the next generation will have the chance to learn the craft.

Danish ShowkatA craftsman paints intricate designs on a papier-mâché ball

“Our papier-mâché products are made based on demand, especially during Christmas; we receive orders for various items from foreign countries, starting in March, and these are dispatched by September,” said Syed Amjad Ali, owner of Shah Handicrafts, in Zadibal, Srinagar. “We produce a variety of articles, ranging from 100 to 200 pieces, including Christmas balls, stars, moons, bells, and other decorations used to design Christmas trees.

“These products are not usually sold in Kashmir; we export them internationally. But due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, we’ve seen a 30- to 35-per-cent decline in orders, which has significantly impacted our export business.”

Only about one or two per cent of the young people are involved in this work. “The younger generation often prefers outdoor jobs, which makes it challenging to sustain the craft,” Mr Amjad said.

“I have been working in the papier-mâché craft for over 35 years. Along with me, seven to eight workers are currently engaged in this craft. However, our work is facing significant decline due to the ongoing wars, and the materials required for making papier-mâché products, such as colours, varnish, and brushes, have become increasingly expensive.

“These materials, which are essential for the production of high-quality papier-mâché items, are mostly imported from abroad, while the actual manufacturing process takes place here in Kashmir,” said Muzaffar Hussain Dar, the owner of Adeena Impex, a papier-mâché workshop in Zadibal.

He said that the combined impact of these global conflicts had led to a drop in production of about 70 per cent; and he emphasised the lack of government support. If the authorities paid more attention to the challenges faced by the artisans, it could provide a significant boost, he suggested.

Danish ShowkatPapier-mâché products being crafted for Christmas at Shah Handicrafts in Zadibal, Srinagar

Meanwhile, the younger generation was increasingly uninterested in pursuing a craft that no longer offered a sustainable source of income.

Before the wars, artisans such as Mr Dar could earn at least 500 to 600 Indian rupees per day. The economic strain caused by the rise in material costs and the drop in demand, however, has reduced daily earnings to 200 to 250 rupees.

“If the government does not step in to support us, the art of papier-mâché will vanish completely,” Mr Dar said. “We are trying to adapt, creating new items to cater to changing demands. But the impact of the wars has made it hard to achieve the desired outcomes,” Mr Dar said.

The production process was not just about creating the items, but ensuring that they reached the market at the right time. “We focus on selected high-demand items to ensure steady sales throughout the year. If we don’t export them on time, they end up unsold, which is a huge loss,” he said.

“We start work at nine or ten in the morning, and close the shop at 3.30 a.m., working through the night. The current demand keeps our work running smoothly, and this effort is essential for us.”

The base cost of producing a papier-mâché item, he said, started at 60 rupees, with additional charges of 100 to 150 rupees for materials and labour. To avoid incurring losses, the final price of each item must be between 200 and 300 rupees to cover transportation, packaging, and wages. “If we fail to sell at these prices, we incur losses,” Mr Dar said.

Despite the circumstances, Mr Dar remains committed to his craft, and hopes that with government support and an end to the wars, the industry can be revived.

Danish Showkat is a freelance multimedia journalist in Kashmir, India.