WCC recognition for Sonargaon in the offing
To revive the glory days of the heritage weave, Jamdani, the National Crafts Council of Bangladesh (NCCB) and the Bengal Foundation is in discussion with the World Crafts Council (WCC) to consider the prospect of Sonargaon being recognised as a
World Craft City.
A four-member team from the WCC is currently in Dhaka for the final steps towards formal recognition. The NCCB and the Bengal Foundation formally presented the proposal to them earlier this year, as a four-member jury board from the WCC is currently in town.
The Daily Star had the opportunity to meet the WCC team at a hotel in the capital yesterday.
“Jamdani is a unique weave, and has a history that dates back to the Persian and the Mughal courts. We are optimistic about its future. The proposal presented to us was well-organised and comprehensive,” said Ghada Hijjiwa Qaddumi, president of the WCC Asia Pacific Region (APR).
“We are keen on visiting the weavers’ villages and see for ourselves the techniques and all the procedure that go into making this gorgeous craft, the jamdani.”
The jury will visit Sonargaon today to assess its merit as a World Craft City.
“The weaves are quite similar to West Bengal, and it is commonly so because before the partition we were all one big nation and the weavers parted their know-how after liberation,” said Manjari Nirula, senior vice-president of WCC APR.
Once Sonargaon is recognised as a World Craft City, the potential for creative tourism and exchange of know-hows will increase.
Usha Krishna, honorary member and advisor of WCC APR, explained the process of WCC’s recognition.
“To make the final assessment, certain criteria must be met. We have noticed that the technique of creating the Jamdani is spread by word of mouth, or ‘bulis’ as the weavers call it. Our suggestion to the NCCB would be to incorporate and improvise the techniques by establishing vocational schools so that more weavers can get into the art of creating Jamdani,” she said.
The recognition as World Craft City comes with benefits including the creation of opportunities for co-operation and partnership between other designated crafts cities globally.
Surapee Rojanavongse, honorary member and adviser of WCC APR, said, “In order for Jamdani to be recognised on the global forum, Bangladesh must arrange exhibitions, attend fairs, and organise fashion shows. People interested to collect the heritage textile will open the market for Jamdanis internationally. And once the craft city recognition is achieved, collectors around the world would easily be able to access Jamdani from Sonargaon.”
The jury will be attending the five-week long Jamdani Festival 2019, organised by the NCCB in collaboration with the Bengal Foundation, starting tomorrow.