Century-Old Cane Craft Faces Extinction in Maulvibazar Market

Maulvibazar's century-old traditional cane craft industry is facing a severe existential crisis, with a historic market now reduced to just a single surviving establishment. Located in the historic Paschim Bazar of Maulvibazar, Sylhet, Bangladesh, the once-vibrant tradition of cane craftsmanship has been steadily pushed to the margins by changing consumer preferences and economic pressures.

The local market has been overwhelmingly overtaken by modern alternatives, specifically furniture made from plastic, metal, and Partex board. As these mass-produced materials capture the commercial landscape, the traditional art of cane furniture making has struggled to maintain its footing in the contemporary marketplace.

Compounding the threat posed by modern materials, the centuries-old industry is currently grappling with a severe shortage of raw materials and a dwindling number of skilled artisans. These compounding challenges have left the heritage trade in an increasingly precarious position within the region.

Amid these widespread difficulties, 'Shifa Cane Furniture' stands as the very last bastion of this craft, remaining as the sole surviving shop dedicated to cane products in the historic Paschim Bazar area.

Shifa Cane Furniture proprietor Shahin Mia shed light on the grim commercial reality facing the trade, stating, 'Amid the crowd of metal or plastic, boutique buyers and especially expatriates returning home for holidays are now our main reliance.' Elaborating on the niche demographic keeping the craft alive, Shahin Mia added, 'Returning from abroad, they still buy these pieces of furniture to preserve the warmth and aesthetics of domestic tradition within the interior spaces of their homes.'