Block Makers of Pethapur
Introduction Origin People Tools Products A sight one sees is wood dust crumbling away, leaving an intricate design behind, and symbolizing how the fading eyes and wrinkled hands are trying to hold on to a craft degenerating under sharp laser cutes and digital images leaving behind a marvel that gives riches to other crafts. The village has seen better days but ironically block printing still flourishes. The block carvers have decreased, the younger generations are choosing more profitable careers but there is still plenty of work. Govind bhai Prajapati wants to propagate his art to the following generations but they are not interested and he feels that they lack patience. He is teaching the art to his nephew but criticizing his work and lack of perfection all the way. In few decades, growing effects of globalization have wrought irrevocable changes upon this traditional craft. Govindbhai Prajapati says he has enough work and his long term customers keep on giving h...