MINGORA: Upper parts of Swat district are famous for making furniture out of carved wood for hundreds of years, where trained labourers are seen busy to meet the demands of customers from both Pakistan and abroad.

Though there are so many places where traditional furniture is made, but two major towns -- Khwaza Khela and Manglawar -- are famous for the art, having so many small units to preserve the old tradition.

Fazal Mohammad, owner and skilled labourer, told Dawn that his family had been engaged with the profession for over a century. He said that he and his brothers learnt the skill from their father.

“There are dozens of skilled labourers in their factory,” he maintained.

Mr Mohammad said that they had been receiving demands for the traditional furniture from different parts of the country, particularly from Punjab province. “We also have orders from some foreign countries, particularly UK, Italy and Germany,” he said and added that people preferred to buy traditionally made furniture to machine-made material.

Omar Farooq, a student of class 10, said that he had been associated with the profession for last five years, adding that he loved the profession of wood carving. “I want to continue my education along with working as skilled labourer,” he said and added that there was a lot of potential in the wood carving field.

Mohammad Rahman, another artisan, said that they usually had demands for traditionally made furniture. “Though some people like furniture made by using latest machines, but still a large number of people love to buy the carved out furniture as it reflects the old tradition of district Swat,” he added.

Rafiullah, a buyer, said that he wanted to buy carved wood furniture for his home, adding that his family had been using the traditional furniture for so many years. “This type of furniture is durable and attractive,” he said and added that the government needed to take steps for promotion of the profession.

Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2014