The wickerwork, locally known as Keani Keam, is a handmade craft from Kashmir that involves the use of wicker weaving. Basket weaving is one of the oldest handicrafts in the world and is widely used in valleys.

This process is also called Shaakhsaazi. The word "Shaakhsaazi" is composed of two words, "Shaakh" means slender and flexible branches, and "Saazi" means weaving.

Shalabugh is a remote village in the Ganderbal district of central Kashmir and pioneered the craft of weaving the famous willow basket. The village was awarded the title of "Model Village" in 2002 and is the largest production area of ​​willow baskets in the valley. People also call it the "willow village" of Kashmir. In the past fifty years, about 90% of the people in the village were related to handicrafts. In the past, more than 6,000 households made a living by doing business, but now the situation in the village has changed.

"In the past, although people's roots have always been in this craft, most people have now left this craft and turned to other industries. Many people have moved to this city to find other jobs," said Gula, a 55-year-old craftsman. Said Ghulam Mohammad.   

He said that in the past ten years, the market has been in a downturn. "The work is harder and the income is less. Young people actually don't want to do this. In fact, the government has not made any effort to make plans for artisans," he said.

The price of a small basket is 70 to 80 rupees, and the price of a large basket is 400 to 500 rupees. The cost range of other decorations varies.

The wicker willow industry in Kashmir has experienced many ups and downs. With the entry of cheap Chinese products into Kashmir, its exquisite surfaces and attractive polishes, as well as fake plastic substitutes trying to replace genuine original wicker willow products, the industry’s business has plummeted.

The cheaper Chinese willow is less durable and water resistant, while Kashmiri willow is durable and water resistant. Kashmir wicker products are natural, with aura and essence that plastic products cannot satisfy.

Another craftsman, Abdul Rehman, said their business has been hit since the repeal of Article 370 and the subsequent coronavirus outbreak. 

"We can't export our inventory to external markets and our customers. The inventory in the store is piling up," he added, "We have already suffered hundreds of thousands of losses." 

"This spacecraft is Kashmir's own, so it should not be allowed to die. It is beautiful and environmentally friendly. Therefore, the authorities need to pay attention to it and help the craftsmen to do their best to keep this art developing," he said.   

Willow weaving is an indigenous commercial industry in the valley. Although the products of other handicrafts are mostly used for decoration purposes, the characteristic of this kind of handicrafts is that willow products can be used as decorations or as household items, storing and carrying edible things on special occasions such as Eid al-Fitr or weddings. ceremony.

Willow wood is the most commonly used. One of the most distinctive products of this craft is kanri, a wicker basket that is used to fill clay pots filled with smoldering coal. The locals put it under flowing pherans to keep it cold. Warm in winter.

Willow trees are cultivated from saplings. Once the saplings germinate, they are cut down and sown into the ground, and new shoots are harvested every year. The saplings are harvested every year until they are uprooted. Saplings are usually planted in February and March. Ordinary willow trees can grow to a height of 2-3 meters and are harvested in October. Willow trees can be found in wetlands and rice fields.

After the crops are harvested, they are divided into bunches according to their length and circumference. Industrial processing starts here, and the crop is sold to a contractor, who in turn distributes it to different craftsmen, with a description of the products that the craftsman must make. Nearly 29 kinds of willow trees have been planted in Kashmir.

Some of the most common wicker crafting items are baskets, vases, room dividers, lampshades, curtain rings, trays, bicycle baskets, chairs, shelves, brackets, swings and traditional Kashmiri Kangri.

According to history, during the reign of Prince Harisingh in the 19th century, seeds and some excellent craftsmen were imported from European land to establish an organized willow industry in Kashmir.

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