Swapan's enterprise to keep age-old art alive

A craftsman in the district, specialising in weaving shitol patis (mats) with pati bet (a variety of cane), is making different items with the natural fibre for bringing a positive change in the traditional industry and keeping the age-old form of art alive.

Swapan Chandra De, 40, a craftsman of Silimpur village in Kalihati upazila, is trying to revive the industry that is faltering due to shrinking demand for the mats and increasing production costs, which are forcing many traditional craftsmen to leave the profession.

"Although the mats made with the natural fibre are environment-friendly, colourful and comfortable, the demand for those has gone down recently due to an influx of mats made of plastic and inferior reeds, which are much cheaper," Swapan said.

The items produced with fibre are not only good looking but also durable as well as easy to carry, moreover, those are not damaged by water, he said.

The passionate handicraft artiste gives finishing touches to a bag woven with pati bet (a variety of cane). Photo: Star

Swapan produces different types of beautiful bags, sandals, hats, belts, photo frames, table mats, pen stands, etc. Prices of the products range from Tk 15 to Tk 600.

"The products will be of better quality and more durable if the production cost is increased," he said.

A brigadier general from Shaheed Salahuddin Cantonment in Ghatail first inspired Swapan in 2014 to produce different items with the fibre, and also arranged opportunities for sale of the products through Sena Kalyan Sangstha. 

According to craftsmen, about 2,000 families from the Hindu community at Chatipara, Silimpur, Khilda, Awltia, Dhanail, Pichutia, Kokdohora, Patitapara and Mohirjora villages in Kalihati upazila are engaged in the mat weaving industry.

Around 3,000 families from the same community in Hinganagar village under Delduar upazila are also engaged in the industry.

A variety of cane used for making the items is cultivated on over 1,000 acres of lands at villages in the two upazilas, and most of the villagers are engaged in production related activities.

Swapan's father Anil Chandra De said they have been producing mats for seven generations. The 70-year-old craftsman pursues his ancestral profession that has been in the village for around 200 years

“Although it is hard to make a living out of making mats these days, we still hang on to the age-old profession as we do not know any other trade,” Anil added.

Shitol pati (cool mat) with decorative patterns, also made by the artiste. Photo: Star

Swapan's mother Promila Rani De, 60, known as the best craftswoman in the village, said she has been weaving the mats since her marriage 40 years ago.

"The financial situation of the craftsmen in the area is very bad. Many have even left the profession to make ends meet, while others are contemplating to do the same," she said.

Pritish Chandra De, a veteran craftsman, said Swapan's enterprise is a ray of hope for the craftsmen in the area. 

However, the government, businessmen and exporters will have to come forward with ideas and assistance for reviving the industry, he added.