The Fusion of Nature and Culture

By Mahesh Kumar

Perhaps the essence of soul of Sindh is the fusion of nature and culture. The artisan is the living symbol of this fusion and a part of his soul, His constant inner dialogue with nature.

Hala is the town through which the Indus has tossed and turned fitfully through the ages, Hala is a confluence of the carpenters, weavers, spinners and potters, who have been working at their trades for centuries and translating what they alone comprehend the mysteries of Nature.

Hala is a trade centre of the Kashi, Jandi, Soosi, Khadhi and RIlli. Jandi which is crafted at a small village Khanoth near Hala is a symbol of fusion of Nature and culture.

Jandi is decorated and lacquered wood furniture which is very famous all over the world. The carpenters of Khanoth make wood come alive by treating it with wood extracts, lacquers, oil and dyes.

Subjecting it to the heat of embers which were once wood and decorating it with motifs and designs that seem to symbolize the psyche of wood.

The work of Jandi does not only tell us about our history but it also shows the tradition and cultures of our province.

In this era of globalization every item is now prepared through machines but still people prefer to buy such items of Jandi for decorating their houses.

In Khanoth many items of Jandi are crafted but famous items are sofas, beds, cradles, cots, dining tables, table lamps and make up boxes.

The items of Jandi are the identity of our culture so the people living in different areas of SIndh give Jandi items as a gift to their friends and relatives. Especially cradles and cots are gifted in marriage ceremonies.

Jandi is crafted in these small villages like Khanoth but it is sold through all over the world. In many world wide exhibitions it is shown.

Jandi of Hala is not just decorating the houses but it is also making our art, tradition and culture alive in every corner of the world.