Introduction of the Chinese in the handicrafts of Mazandaran
Although handicrafts officials have become more knowledgeable and create better conditions in Mazandaran than in the past, the industry is still struggling with important but trivial issues such as the import of similar Chinese and Indian products. .
Although Mazandaran and the handicrafts of the artists of this province are famous in the country and even in the world, but these problems are facing the artists as obstacles.
Soheila Zakeri Pashakalaei, a handicraft artist from Mazandaran, pointed out that handicrafts have been considered important by the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism for the past two decades. Crafts offer more.
He noted that the General Directorate’s commitment to handicrafts and craftsmen has increased the number of handicraft workshops in recent years: In the last two or three years, cyberspace has helped to present and display the works of handicraft artists And it has grown well.
Pointing out that turning to handicrafts and handicrafts is influential in social life and brings people back to the traditional and traditional way of life, the craftsman noted: In the past, when used indoors, it creates a pleasant and uplifting feeling and affects the relationships between family members and children.
He added: When a part of the house becomes a traditional texture, we bring a certain warmth to the space of the house.
Zakeri said that handicrafts can also be effective in the environment, adding that handicrafts in Mazandaran are inspired by nature and are environmentally friendly, for example, unlike factory plastics, works with wood, leather. And the mat is made of raw materials that are environmentally friendly.
He continued: The use of handicrafts reduces the use of plastic items and since the life of these products is high, the distribution of plastic products and materials that harm the environment is less.
The artist from Mazandaran further pointed out that when handicrafts are used in a social environment, such as in the decor of a store or in the facade of a house, the traditional texture that is placed in the eyes of the people creates a special charm. It is because of its difference from the modern view of life these days that we are attracted to it.
Zakeri said that these days we see that the municipalities in Mazandaran have used traditional handicrafts to attract tourists, noting that with this action, when a traveler comes from another city, he gets acquainted with the traditional and old texture of Mazandaran.
He continued: It is definitely difficult for a traveler to reach an ecotourism area whose texture uses traditional handicrafts such as copper, pottery, jajim, etc., and municipalities use this tactic to attract tourists, which is commendable.
Pointing out that one of the main problems and obstacles that affect handicrafts is the supply of resources and how to present this art, this Mazandarani artist said: In the field of providing resources, raw materials are not easily available for some artisans. And it has to be provided from another province, for example, tanning leather is completely traditional in no city in Iran except a workshop in Isfahan, and if an artist wants to use completely natural tanned leather, he has to pay a lot of money. The artist’s income result is not consistent.
He continued: It is also difficult to provide products, because there are so many imported products similar to the works of artists, and due to the high cost and effort of handicrafts, the customer has easier access to similar imported work due to lower cost.
Zakeri added: Some handicraft products that are imported from countries such as China are sold in shops that specialize in handicraft products, and this leads to the destruction of the original products of Mazandaran, while considering the tourist potential. Being Mazandaran, with the right planning, it is possible for artists in this field to imagine a high income and even think about entrepreneurship.
The Mazandarani artist pointed out: The main way to solve the problem of handicrafts that we want to offer our original products in this province is not to import similar products that are easily produced in Mazandaran from countries like China and India, in fact if If we want Mazandaran handicrafts to grow, the way to import and distribute such products must be closed.
He went on to point to the use of technology as a tool for making money in handicrafts, but opposed the use of it in the industry. The use of technology is different from the nature of handicrafts, although it increases speed and generates revenue. It is handmade, I even believe that its raw materials can be supplied by hand to preserve the nature of handicrafts.
Zakeri concluded: Given today’s costs and the fact that we want to have more products in a shorter time, the use of technology has entered the workshop of many handicraft artists, but it is in conflict with the nature of handicrafts.