KASHMIR’S DODO : ART & CULTURE
NEWS: 343
years after its extinction, Kashmir artisans give wings to the dodo in papier
mache
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
Kashmir’s papier
mâché artisans are reviving the memory of the extinct dodo bird by crafting
colorful models, which are in high demand, particularly in Europe and
Mauritius. The bird, once native to Mauritius, became extinct by 1681 due to
human activity and invasive species.
About Dodo:
- Scientific
Name: Raphus cucullatus
- Native
Habitat: Mauritius, a
tropical island in the Indian Ocean.
- Physical
Description:
Flightless, 3 feet tall, gray feathers, large hooked beak, stout legs.
- Diet: Fruits, seeds, roots, nuts, small animals.
- Extinction: Extinct by 1681 due to overhunting, habitat
destruction, and invasive species like rats and pigs.
- Historical
Significance: Its
extinction is one of the first documented human-caused extinctions,
showing the impact of human activity on nature.
Kashmir’s Craft Scene:
- Papier
Mâché Artisans:
Kashmir artisans are crafting colorful models of the extinct dodo, adorned
with floral and forest prints.
-
Demand: These dodo models are gaining popularity,
especially in Europe and Mauritius.