CONTEMPORARY ARTISANS SCULPTING ARTEFACTS: A CASE STUDY OF TAXILA VALLEY, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Gandhara region is known to the world for its unique art of stone carving. The legacy of carving sculptures out of stones is in continuity since the ancient era. This paper throws light on the work of artisans who keeps alive this cultural heritage of stone carving. Taxila valley, Pakistan was once a hub of the Gandhara region. The existing literature shows that the contemporary sculptors of the Taxila valley are creating replicas. This research will contribute to the existing knowledge. As no researcher has identified these techniques of carving, it will open new gates for upcoming scholars. The research data is collected from the sculptors Iftikhar Ahmad and Shafiq Ahmad. The practice of creating art is an expression of an artist’s character. The research established that the art of stone carving is well understood by the modern artisans of the Taxila valley, Pakistan but has been exploited due to time span, socio-economic and religious taboos, and especially the weak policies of the authorities.