The province of Sindh in Pakistan is famous for its rich culture and diverse crafts. Amongst the numerous traditional forms of art, Jandi (lacquer work on wood) has been of particular identification for the area and a source of livelihood and sustenance for artisans and their families for many years. The Sindh Education Foundation (SEF) is committed to endorsing the richness of indigenous knowledge and advocating the necessity of preserving and promoting it. The SEF studied Jandi art and artisans living in Hala in order to get an insight into the history of the art, its process of production and to highlight the artisans’ experiences and concerns.

Several factors that threaten the craft and the artisan’s livelihood were cited and key recommendations were provided for greater development of the handicraft in order to salvage a beautiful cultural practice from extinction.