Basketry from Introduced Willows in Kashmir: Old Tradition to New Economically Viable Art

Abstract

Basketry is practised in Kashmir since a long time and several species are used for this work. Since 1918, Salix spp. introduced from England and France is also being used and cultivated in several areas. Details of cultivating 'Oisers' as the willows are known here and the methods followed in basket making have been described. The tools used have also been indicated along with sketches of the baskets produced from the willows. Economics of cultivating willows has also been worked out. Several constraints e.g., semi-professionalism in basket making, scarcity of raw material, lack of capital for investment, in-depth study about commercial viability of willows, post-harvest technology have been pointed out. The authors have suggested that this industry can prosper in future only if more land is brought under cultivating willows, basket weavers are suitably trained, modern designs and technology adopted and the products suitably advertised encouraging use of the products nationally and internationally.