Leather

KHAMIR Craft Resource Centre is currently working to address the needs of Kachchh’s leather craft artisans in the areas of raw materials, design, work culture cultivation, production and finishing.  Unlike the textile artisans who do have a foothold in mainstream markets due to the connection to a pan-Indian culture, the non-textile crafts have many substitutes from industries and imports.  Consequently, the lack of suitable products and markets have de-skilled these once highly skilled and versatile artisans. A comprehensive intervention that becomes a symbol of success and aspiration is therefore necessary to uplift this languishing sector.

Raw Materials

A prime area of concern is sourcing and developing local raw material suppliers. Because tanning is no longer practiced in Kachchh, artisans are completely dependent on outside sources of leather to which they have limited access.

Design

The leather product range in Kachchh has evolved from its traditional form to reflect the region’s changing needs.  However, product development has begun to stagnate. Design inputs are needed to diversify products, develop new product applications, and creatively combine leather craft with other regional crafts.

KHAMIR has partnered with designers to identify the core Kachchh leather craft identity so KHAMIR can help lead artisans to explore design possibilities and build design capacities.

Work Culture

There is a need to better develop the Kachchh leather sector’s work culture.  The sector needs support to develop interdependent work culture between artisans, build critical collective capacity, engage the young generation of artisans, and nurture a spirit of entrepreneurship.

Production and Finishing

To meet current and new market demands, artisans are being encouraged to upgrade their production processes. Kachchh leather artisans require better access to upgraded tools and materials. Technical inputs are being provided so artisans can improve their construction and finishing techniques.