Heritage Foundation of Pakistan brings UNESCO experts and Sindh Artisans together for revival of Kashi work

Karachi, May 25, 2016:Since its inception in 1980 Heritage Foundation of Pakistan has been committed towards the goal of preserving the cultural and historical heritage of Pakistan, with their recent efforts concentrated on the preservation of Makli necropolis and the intangible heritage of the adjoining village. In furtherance to this cause Heritage Foundation of Pakistan arranged for two experts from UNESCO Ms Elena Agnini and Mr Marco Malavolti to come and conduct a week-long workshop with the objective of helping local artisans receive training to explore, improve and record their traditional crafts through scientific methods in order to evolve the age-old practices and processes.


The workshop saw the experts visit the kilns and meet with the artisans at Makli to discuss the traditional methods used for the fabrication, painting and firing of kashi tiles. Marco Malavolti demonstrated various methods of making moulds either for single use or multiple uses to speed up the existing process. Also, a newer improved kiln is being built keeping in mind the observations made by UNESCO so as to improve the overall efficiency available to the artisans.


Ms Yasmin Lari co-founder and current chairperson of the Heritage Foundation monitored the progress and discussed the main hurdles in the preservation and incorporation of modern tools and techniques for safeguarding intangible heritage.

As is the modus operandi of Heritage Foundation, women and children were also given introductory training on clay modelling by Elena and Marco, which was appreciated and enjoyed by all.