Iskander Istefan Alhalaby from Syria showcasing a wooden tray with mosaic art at the ongoing Sargaalaya International Arts and Crafts Festival, Iringal, Kozhikode. | Photo Credit: K. Ragesh
The International Pavilion at the 13th edition of the Sargaalaya International Arts and Crafts Festival at Iringal in Kozhikode offers visitors a glimpse of craft traditions from across the world, with artisans from 15 countries presenting their signature handicrafts.
Located at the entrance of the festival venue, the pavilion hosts participants from Nepal, Belarus, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, Iran, Syria, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Egypt, Jordan, Israel and Thailand. Among the exhibitors is Iskander Istefan Alhalaby from Syria, who has brought wood mosaic art native to Damascus. “This is a craft that one can find only in Damascus and nowhere else in Syria. There are hundreds of artisans in the city who have specialised in this work,” he said. Mr. Alhalaby works on jewellery boxes and tea trays, but has also created tables, cupboards and even entire houses with intricate wood inlay work.
Bags made of leather, jute, and cloth are commonly found at several international stalls, along with jewellery. Silk shawls from Russia, singing bowls and daggers from Nepal, crochet products and ceramic plates from Uzbekistan, silver jewellery from Jordan, ceramic pottery, paper products and paintings on ficus leaves from Israel, and seed garlands from Taiwan are among the items on display. Decorative lamps from Syria, wooden masks from Uganda, and silver, brass and steel jewellery from Iran have also drawn attention. Other products include key chains, wind chimes, wooden sculptures, food items, puzzles and refrigerator magnets.
