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.
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.
The dodo, with its round body, large beak, and sturdy legs, has captured the imagination of the modern world as a symbol of lost species and environmental degradation. By crafting the dodo in papier mâché, these artisans are not just paying homage to a species lost to time; they are also making a poignant statement about the fragility of life and the importance of conservation efforts. Through the meticulous work of creating these colourful, life-sized dodo figures, the artisans are reminding people of the profound impact humans can have on the environment.
The process of creating these papier mâché dodos begins with the careful design and construction of a base using wire and a papier mâché pulp made from newspapers, wood pulp, and other natural fibres. The artisans then layer the pulp and painstakingly paint each figure with bright hues of yellow, blue, and green. The finishing touch includes the dodo’s distinctive features—its beak, eyes, and feather-like texture— capturing its unique, otherworldly appearance.
This unique project has garnered attention both locally and internationally. Visitors to Kashmir’s traditional craft markets have marvelled at these remarkable pieces of art, while environmentalists and conservationists have lauded the artisans for incorporating the theme of extinction into their work. Many have praised the initiative for bringing awareness to the loss of biodiversity while showcasing the craftsmanship and resilience of Kashmir’s artistic heritage. Moreover, these papier mâché dodos have become a symbol of hope and a call to action for wildlife protection. While the dodo may be gone, other species are on the brink of extinction, and the artisans’ work serves as a reminder of the need to preserve what remains. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, deforestation and poaching, these artistic creations act as a bridge between past and present, past extinction and future conservation.
This revival of the dodo in Kashmir’s papier mâché tradition exemplifies the importance of cultural practices in addressing contemporary issues. The artisans, through their craft, have demonstrated that art can be an emotional and educational tool to inspire change. In this way, the dodo is no longer just a memory; it is an active part of a conversation about conservation, heritage, and the power of human ingenuity.
As Kashmir’s papier mâché dodos continue to capture the hearts and minds of people worldwide, they offer a powerful reminder: even in the face of extinction, the creative spirit of humanity can breathe life into the forgotten and make the past relevant again. The dodo’s second life in art is not just a tribute to a species lost to time, but a beacon of hope for the future of our planet.
