Handicraft is a skill that involves doing something skillfully using the hands. Balochistan has a long tradition in handicrafts production. This practice dates back hundreds of years and is still widely practiced. Baluchistan’s handicrafts are known worldwide for their beauty, richness of color, and economic value. Apart from being popular in the country, these handicrafts are exported to various countries where they are welcomed with open arms especially by westerners.

          Balochistan's ancestral handicrafts are passed down from generation to generation. Embroidery work with Balochistan needle is very appealing. In addition, the various regions of Balochistan are known for their unique designs.

          Dera Bugti is famous for the embroidery of the "Kowchik" form. Kowchik sew has its own embroidery pattern on women's shawls and shirts. The fame of the "Kowchik" design was once distributed throughout the sub-continent of Indo-Pak and is still very popular throughout Pakistan.

          The Sibi region is best known for its “Jok” needlework, in which fine threads of various colors and shades are used. Jok work is very popular all over the world because of the beauty of its design.

          The districts of Khalat and Khuzdar are famous for their needlework “Moshamka”. It involves the work of sticks in different colors usually red, green, and gray in white or yellow clothing. It is also decorated with shawls, cushions, tablecloths, and bedsheets. It may also involve the use of a small work mirror. In addition, large marble blocks provide fine materials. Tables made of marble, ashtrays, bathtubs, and decorative pieces add to the beauty of homes and offices. Crude marble is mined in the Chaghi region of Balochistan and is transported to the industrial centers of the country including the “Hub” where the stone is converted into attractive forms and polished before shipment. And Balochi handmade carpets are an important source of foreign exchange.

          Clay vessels and ornaments have always been symbols of civilization. Balochi ornaments especially silver ornaments showcasing the skill and craftsmanship of the whole process of decorating from smelting metal is accomplished without the use of any machine. They are in great demand in the national and international jewelry markets.

Therefore, the Balochistan handicraft industry should promote at the level of government and add to foreign trade in addition to providing jobs for thousands of people in each area as well as the Balochistan cranny.


 By: Shahina SheerJan

The writer is a student at Government Girls High School Sari Kahn

Turbat Kech Balochistan