The economics of traditional craft
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Dastkar helps bring craftswomen into the economic mainstream.
For years the Lambani women of Sandur in Bellary district, North Karnataka, worked at the welfare centre run by the Sandur Manganese and Iron Ore Company to machine-stitch plastic bibs, booties and bags. The tribal women earned a fixed daily wage, regardless of their output.
The plastic bibs and booties were far removed from their traditional skills in vibrant and colourful embroidery. Today, the organisation called Dastkar has ensured that these Lambani women utilise their traditional craftsmanship to earn a better livelihood. Dastkar developed a series of soft furnishings based on their traditional skills. It also helped the centre with the costing and marketing aspects. As a result, the number of women working at the centre increased, as did their income.
Dastkar (which means 'craftsperson') was started by six women in 1981 to bring traditional crafts, marginalised by urbanisation and industrialisation, back into the economic mainstream. Because craft is not just about aesthetics and culture but about economies and markets. The primary aim was to provide a link between the rural craftsperson and the urban consumer. Dastkar helps to create self-sustaining producer groups which can market their products directly. The groups are assisted in the process of developing a craft, creating awareness of its potential amongst both artisans and consumers, designing, costing and marketing the product. They are also informed about using and investing the income generated.
Dastkar works with 65 groups in 12 states, with a head office in New Delhi. The organisation has a revolving capital fund of Rs 10 lakh from Oxfam America, which is used for initial stock for newly formed craft gro! ups. Loans are given against a detailed production plan. The fund is also used to buy raw material for bulk orders. Dastkar also helps other NGOs working with craftspersons in costing, designing and marketing their goods.
The Dastkar Craft Shop in New Delhi is a permanent marketing outlet. Products are also sold through retail outlets, exhibitions and melas. Dastkari Bazaars have become a regular feature of the Indian craft scene since the first bazaar in Delhi in 1982. Today, each bazaar in each city has an average of 25-40 craft groups participating, and sales at a bazaar average Rs 6-10 lakh.
Contact: DASTKAR
45-B, Shahpur Jat
New Delhi - 110049, India
Tel: 91-11-649 5920/649 5921/6! 49 1549
Email:
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