Balochistan has a long tradition in the production of handicrafts. This tradition began centuries ago and is still progressing day by day. Balochistan handicrafts are known worldwide for the beauty of their design, the richness of their color, and their economic prices. Besides being popular within the country, these handicrafts are exported to various foreign countries where they are warmly received, especially by the people of the west. Handicraft skills in Balochistan are ancestral, having been passed from one generation to the other. Embroidery and needlework of Balochistan are especially very attractive. Women and girls do this work. They do not have to go out of their houses for work.
They attend to their household work, and in their spare time, they produce handicrafts which add to the family income. Age is no barrier in doing embroidery work. Women, young and old girls, take part in the production of embroidered handicrafts. The handicrafts needlework is common all over the province of Balochistan. The women folk spend hours doing the embroidery work as a means of earning for the family. Needle-work in Balochistan displays different designs and embroidery techniques that vary from place to place. Different areas of Balochistan are known for their distinctive designs. Dera Bugti is famous for the 'Kowchik' form of embroidery. The 'Kowchik' stitching has its own pattern, embroidered on shawls and shirts for the women. The fame of the 'Kowchik' design was once spread all over the Sub-continent of Indo-Pakistan, and it is still trendy everywhere in Pakistan. Kalat and Khuzdar districts are famous for their 'Moshamka' needlework. It involves stich work in different colors, usually red, green, and grey on white or yellow garments.
It is also embroidered. Shawls, cushions, table cloth, and bedsheets. It may also include the use of tiny mirror work. Sibi district is well known for her 'Jok' needlework in which fine thread of various colors and shades is used. The 'Jok' work is prevalent all over the country for the delicacy of its design. The needlework of the Muslimbagh, Gulistan, and Zhob areas has a peculiar appeal of its own. In it, several designs are produced through the use of open and closed stitches. Though the work involves less labor and less thread than e other embroidery designs, it is specially selected for bridal dresses and colorful garments for small kids. The Afghan refugees brought with them several new designs and techniques in needlework. Afghan women are especially good at embroidery, and they spend most of their time making rich and colorful designs seen at the handicraft shops in Quetta. Besides the needlework on dresses, cushions, and bedsheets, embroidered Balochi chapels of Balochistan are a special attraction for the people.
Their beauty and artistic value are a matter of pride for those who put them on. Embroidery is done on fine leather using colorful thread and fine golden and silver wire. Embroidered caps, purses, and belts are also much in demand. These articles are items of special attraction for the tourists who visit the handicraft shops in Balochistan. Large deposits of marble stone provide objects. Marble table-sets, ash-trays, bath-tubs, and decoration pieces add to the glamour of the houses and offices. Crude marble is dug out in the Chaghi district of Balochistan and transported to the country's industrial centers, including Hub, where the stone is transformed into attractive forms and polished before the items are sent to the market. Carpets and wall hangings of Balochistan are other sources of attraction for the customers. Carpets form a special part of the setting in tribal households, but the tradition has also won popularity in the city homes. Balochi's hand-woven carpets are an important source of foreign exchange earnings for the country.
Pottery and ornaments have always been the symbols of the development of civilization. The earthen wares of Balochistan depict the mastery of their makers, and their variety and delicacy of design fetch a good price. Ornaments have always been the items of special interest and attraction for women. The Balochi ornaments, especially the silver ornaments, show the skill and artistry of the craftsmen. The whole process of ornament production, from melting the metal to the finished product, is accomplished wi .iout using any machine. They are in great demand at the national and international jewelry markets. The handicrafts industry of Balochistan is encouraged and supported at the government level. It adds to the foreign exchange earnings in addition to providing jobs to thousands. The handicrafts also boost up the country's image in international circles because they reflect artistic temperament.
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