Rae Bareilly artist makes a niche by bone carving

Its been 45 years when Mushtaq Ahmed heard about bone carving for the first time. The unconventional art form captivated the teenager like anything. Little did he believe it would one day earn him popularity besides money.

By Kamna Mathur

Rae Bareilly, June 16 : It's been 45 years when Mushtaq Ahmed heard about bone carving for the first time. The unconventional art form captivated the teenager like anything. Little did he believe it would one day earn him popularity besides money.

Today, Mushtaq Ahmed is known for turning discarded animal bones into beautiful artefacts that could be anything like miniature furniture to caskets to animals. He has given bone carving art a special identity.

Mushtaq says: "When I started out in search of livelihood, I came across Abdul Khalid an ivory carver, who taught me the nuances of this art," said Mushtaq.

Using discarded animal bones, Mushtaq creates various decorative objects like elephants peacocks, miniature furniture besides combs, chess pieces and other items.

But Mushtaq laments that though everyone appreciates his creations there are very few who are ready to pay a fair price. But he admits that at exhibitions the art gets its due reward.

"When we go to sell these artefacts, we do not get the right price for it. The same art objects fetch a handsome amount of money during exhibitions where foreigners buy them," said Mushtaq.

Mushtaq's unique craft has brought him accolades and recognition for him and he is now planning to pass it on to aspiring craftsmen.

ANI