DUE to the shortage of raw materials and the advancement of technology, there are fewer artisans in turnery craft, said the Chairman of the Myanmar Traditional Artisans Association, U Thit Lwin Soe.
It is one of the 10 traditional crafts of Myanmar - blacksmithing, sculpture, goldsmithing, bronze casting, stucco work, masonry, stone sculpting, turning, painting and lacquerware. Turnery is a craft to make wooden utensils and beautiful things. It can also be used in final polishing of sculptured products to make them smooth and shiny.
In recent times, turnery art has been replaced by machinery due to the advancement of modern technology.
“There’s a worrying trend right now that turnery industry is losing its grip among ten traditional crafts. And there aren’t many operators. As they are being replaced by machines, the previously famous turnery craft has disappeared and not much of artisan generation is left. Typically, there are only automated businesses. Among the ten traditional crafts, the most endangered to be extinct is turnery,” he said.
Only a small number of turnery businesses are reportedly still workng in rural areas.
“It depends on the relevancy of traditional crafts handed down as well as the availability of raw materials. In turnery craft, teak is usually used. It is quite difficult to sculpt teak wood. Without a timber permit, this work might be illegal,” he continued. — Htet Oo Maung/ZN
