HOW and WHY the Craft of Camel Skin Lamps Endures in Multan, Pakistan

**HOW and WHY the Craft of Camel Skin Lamps Endures in Multan, Pakistan**

The craft of making camel skin lamps in Multan, Pakistan, is a century-old tradition that requires meticulous steps, skill, and patience. Despite modern challenges, artisans like Malik Rahman Nakash strive to keep this cultural heritage alive.

### The Process: HOW Camel Skin Lamps are Made

**Manual Work**

- **Cleaning the Hides**: The hides are cleaned manually until bleached white, a process that can take up to two days and uses traditional techniques passed down through generations.

- **Scraping Excess**: Excess material is removed until the hides are nearly paper-thin, ensuring they are pliable and can be shaped into delicate lamp structures.

**Shaping the Lamps**

- **Clay Molds**: Thin layers of hides are placed over clay molds to form the lamp's shape. These molds, handmade by local potters using plaster, come in various shapes and sizes, allowing for a range of lamp designs.

- **Covering Holes**: Ground excess material is used to cover any holes, ensuring a smooth and functional surface.

- **Sealing**: A mixture of glue and washing soda is applied to the lamp's surface, then left to dry in the sun for up to four days, hardening the hide and preparing it for painting.

**Painting**

- **Nakashi Technique**: A 900-year-old method used to paint intricate designs on the lamps. Historically applied to buildings, monuments, and mosques in Multan, this technique features traditional motifs and patterns.

- **Precision Required**: Completing a single lamp takes about 10 days. Precision and patience are crucial, as one mistake can ruin the entire design.

### History and Significance: WHY This Craft Matters

**Family Tradition**

- Malik Rahman Nakash's grandfather began making camel skin lamps in the early 20th century, turning it into a major business for the city. This innovation coincided with the arrival of electricity in South Asia, making decorative lamps highly sought after.

**Past Uses of Camel Leather**

- Camel leather was historically popular in the region for storing oil and ghee. This practical use evolved into an artistic tradition with the introduction of Nakashi art on camel skin lamps.

**Decline in Craft**

- The craft has dwindled due to declining tourism in Pakistan and rising raw material costs. Currently, fewer families are involved in the business, with only a handful of artisans keeping the tradition alive.

**Modern Challenges**

- Younger generations are opting for more profitable careers, threatening the continuation of this craft. The labor-intensive nature of the work and modest financial returns make it less attractive to the youth.

### Efforts to Sustain the Craft

**Online Sales**

- Malik started selling the lamps online to keep the business running. Prices range from 1,500 rupees (approximately $7) for small lamps to $200 for larger ones. This move has opened up new markets and helped sustain the business despite local economic challenges.

**Durability**

- Each lamp can last up to a hundred years if thoroughly varnished, enhancing its shine and durability. This longevity attests to the quality and craftsmanship involved in their creation.

**Future Hopes**

- Malik and Ashfaq hope that educational programs and financial support will attract a new generation of craftsmen to preserve this tradition. They believe that raising awareness about the cultural significance and artistic value of these lamps can inspire interest among the youth.

### Conclusion

The craft of making camel skin lamps in Multan is a unique and valuable tradition that showcases the region's rich cultural heritage. By supporting these craftsmen and their work, we can help preserve an important part of our cultural legacy. Efforts to sustain and pass on this art to future generations are crucial in keeping this tradition alive.