KASHMIR GIVES WINGS TO DODO

The dodo, a flightless bird that became extinct more than three centuries ago, has found immortality in the hands of papier mache artists of Kashmir.

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In 1681, the last confirmed sighting of the dodo was recorded, and by the end of the 17th century, the flightless bird, native to the island of Mauritius, had disappeared forever due to hunting and habitat destruction. Its extinction marked a tragic chapter in the history of biodiversity, and yet, 343 years later, this long-gone creature is soaring once again-but this time, in the form of art.

Kashmir, renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, particularly in papier mâché, has a long tradition of creating intricate artworks that capture the essence of nature. Known for its attractive colours, delicate patterns and meticulous detail, papier mâché in Kashmir has been used to create everything from decorative items to religious figures.

However, the recent creation of dodo replicas in papier mâché by local artisans represents a departure from the conventional. This new wave of creativity brings an extinct species back to life in the most colourful and artistic form possible.