Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Traditional doll making: Reviving the Pnar heritage

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From Our Correspondent

JOWAI, Aug 21: In a bid to preserve the cultural heritage of Pnar community and provide valuable skills and economic opportunities for the local youth, the Society for Urban and Rural Empowerment (SURE) in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS) has launched a unique initiative to revive the traditional art of making ‘Khon Mu-ke,’ the beloved dolls of the Pnar people.
The month-long training programme, held at SURE’s Training Centre in Thluwania, Ladthalaboh, Jowai, aimed to teach young participants the intricate craft of doll-making, blending cultural preservation with skill development.
Head of SURE Dr H Mohrmen explained: “We want to revive the making of ‘Khon Mu-ke,’ the traditional doll of the Pnar. The idea came to me when I remembered my late sisters making dolls when they were kids. Every culture has its tradition of doll-making, and it’s time to bring ours back to life.”
Master trainer Ibaphimon Shylla emphasised the distinctiveness of these dolls. “These are not just any dolls; they are traditional Pnar dolls with unique cultural significance. The Jaintia people have a rich tradition of dressing, so our dolls will be vibrant, colourful, and attractively adorned with traditional ornaments like ‘Paila,’ ‘khadu,’ ‘laket,’ and ‘kynji,’” she explained. The dolls are carefully dressed in traditional Pnar attire, such as ‘khyrwang,’ ‘thoh-saru,’ ‘muka,’ and ‘ryndia’. Female dolls will also be dressed in Pnar and Khasi saris, reflecting the region’s diverse cultural heritage. Dr Mohrmen said, “We strive to ensure that our dolls have an authentic traditional look, which will be the unique selling point (USP) of our creations.”
As for the market for these dolls, Ibaphimon highlighted the potential demand among souvenir outlets and tourist spots in the district. “Our immediate market includes the many souvenir shops that sell handicrafts, but we also plan to leverage online and social media platforms. Additionally, these dolls can serve as unique return gifts during weddings, ensuring a broader market for our products.”

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