Affordable Swati Art

Swat wood carving dates back 2000 years. It takes 7 woodworkers and 25 days to complete an art piece. A small mistake can ruin it all. It is a blend of Buddhist and Karakoram influences. Thus, it makes it a thriving industry in Swat valley a region near Afghanistan border.

Workers start by cutting large wood logs into small pieces. This needs to be handled by a seasoned artisan, a small cut can ruin the design. They sand the wood down and then they plan the surface smooth clean and flat.

Next comes the most difficult part “carving”. Workers need to sharpen the tools until they can cut razor blades. . Here most of the craftsmen need not follow the crafted design rather they use their minds. But it can take up to five years to just learn the basics. No one can say he is the master as it can go so complex at times.

Once the crafting is done, then the process of painting these parts.  Workers join the small pieces. They treat the wood with potassium, this gives a bright red look. This changes to brown as it dries giving the wood an antique look. Then they apply furniture paint. Finally, they spray sealant on the crafted wood before putting it for customers in the shops. Following are some arts that you can buy for your loved ones.