camel skin crafts 

Camel Skin Craft – A Legacy of Regional Artistry

Camel Skin Craft is a luminous tradition that thrives in the golden deserts and ancient cities of Pakistan.  Hand-painted, sun-dried, and shaped into exquisite forms, these artifacts are more than decorative items; they are an embodiment of cultural storytelling and artisanal mastery. Known especially for their glowing lamps, camel skin craft originates from the heart of Multan, while also bearing the imprints of Bahawalpur, the Cholistan Desert, and urban centers like Karachi. This regional craft is a legacy worth preserving—not only for its beauty but for the generations of artisans who have shaped it with patience, creativity, and heart.

camel-skin-crafts-6Camel Skin Craft - Lamps

Camel Skin Craft - The Roots: A Craft Born of the Desert

The art of camel skin work originated in the Cholistan Desert because camel herding serves as the main activity for its inhabitants. The practical needs of the community led to the initial use of camel hides for making mashks (water carriers), shelters and saddles. The materials evolved from their practical uses into artistic tools as creativity developed over time.

  • Multan: The city of Multan established itself as the main center for this craft. The City of Saints developed a cultural environment which supported artistic expression and mystical traditions and traditional handcrafted products. The craft developed its most distinctive form in this location where camel skin lamps became the signature product.
  • Bahawalpur: The princely state of Bahawalpur developed more royal patterns and designs which added to the craft's evolution.
  • Cholistan: The nomadic way of life in Cholistan inspired the geometric and symbolic designs which appear on numerous traditional pieces.
  • Karachi: The commercial center of Karachi functions as both a market and production center for craft businesses that follow international design patterns.
bahawalpur-city-of-palaces-600x400Bahawalpur-City of Palaces
cholistan-desert-600x400Cholistan - The Desert & Fort
multan-city-of-saints-600x400Multan-The City of Saints & Crafts

Camel Skin Craft - Crafting Process: From Hide to Heirloom

Artisanship: The Making of Camel Skin Crafts

The process of transforming camel hide into art involves three traditional roles, often passed down through families:

1. Dabgar – The Hide Cleaner and Preparer handles the raw hide

  • The camel skin is sourced from animals that have died naturally. It is washed thoroughly - the skin is soaked, softened, and cleaned using traditional tools.
  • It is scraped using tools like rambi to remove all residual hair.
  • The skin is then pounded flat and stretched over moulds for shaping. It is stretched and pounded to form a thin, pliable sheet.
dabgar-the-hide-cleanerDabgar – The Skin Worker

2. Kumhar – The Mould Maker

The kumhar shapes the skin:

  • The soft sheet is stretched over a pre-formed clay or wooden mould
  • Adhesives such as natural pastes or gooda are used to secure the skin
  • The item is then left to sun-dry for several days, allowing it to harden into a semi-translucent form. 
  • The softened skin is stretched over the moulds, shaped into globes, vases, or lamp forms, and sun-dried until rigid.
kumhar-the-mould-makerKumhar-The Mould Maker

3. Naqash – The Painter

Once hardened, the naqash artist steps in:

  • Using natural dyes, brushes, and lacquer, intricate designs are painted in a style called Naqashi - a Mughal-era painting style.
  • Common themes include floral patterns, Mughal miniatures, Sufi symbolism, and tribal motifs. Handmade floral, arabesque, and geometric patterns are applied using natural dyes, lacquers, and fine brushes.
  • These pieces create a warm, ambient glow—showcasing the transparency and texture of the treated skin.
naqash-the-painterNaqash-The Painter

Hand-Painted Designs
Every camel skin lamp is painted by hand, often with motifs inspired by nature, Islamic geometry, and kashigari (Multani blue pottery) patterns. No two lamps are alike — each one reflects the creativity of its maker.

When lit, the lamps give off a warm, golden glow, making them sought-after worldwide as pieces of cultural heritage and home décor.

camel-skin-craft-3Camel Skin Vases
camel-skin-craft-4Camel Skin Vases
camel-skin-craft-5Camel Skin Vases

Camel Skin Craft - Design Language & Regional Diversity

Each region brings a distinct voice to camel skin artistry:

  • Multani Designs: Rich with floral vines, starbursts, sun motifs, and Sufi iconography in reds, blacks, and yellows.
  • Bahawalpur Art: Refined designs with symmetrical geometry and pastel shades; often used for palace decor and formal gifting.
  • Cholistan Influence: Raw, bold lines and minimalist tribal symbolism drawn from desert life.
  • Karachi Influence: Modernized motifs with urban palettes; merging traditional materials with contemporary aesthetics for export or fusion decor.

The motifs not only decorate but tell stories—of seasonal change, divine order, and desert life.

Camel Skin Craft - Cultural Significance

Camel skin crafts are deeply symbolic in South Asian culture. Their light is associated with:

  • Spiritual & Decorative: Used in homes, shrines (mazars), and cultural festivals, especially in Punjab and Sindh. Spiritual illumination, making them common in shrines and homes.
  • Heirloom Status: Often passed down through generations, camel skin crafts are considered symbols of good taste and heritage pride. Celebration and beauty, adorning wedding halls and festivals.
  • Sustainable & Ethical: Entirely handmade, biodegradable, and often based on hides from animals that have died naturally, making it a sustainable craft. Artisan pride, representing the skill, patience, and perseverance of Pakistan’s craft communities

These items are not mass-produced, and each one tells a unique story—of the desert, of an artisan family, of Pakistan’s soul.

camel-skin-lampsCamel Skin Lamps
camel-skin-vasesCamel Skin Vases
camel-skin-craft-blueCamel Skin Lamps

Camel Skin Craft - Women and the Future of the Craft

While historically dominated by male artisans, recent years have seen increased participation by women—especially in painting, embellishment, and small accessory production.

Women-led cooperatives in South Punjab and interior Sindh are being supported by NGOs and microfinance programs to:

  • Learn and pass on the skills of painting and design
  • Sell crafts online via platforms like Instagram and Etsy
  • Participate in cultural exhibitions and entrepreneurship forums

This inclusion has brought new color, energy, and social value to the craft.

Camel Skin Crafts - Modern Revival & Global Reach

The once-dwindling craft is witnessing a slow but steady revival:

  • Exports & Exhibitions: Featured at the China International Import Expo, Dubai Art Fairs, and in European cultural galleries.
  • Tourism & Souvenir Industry: Craft stores in Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi are promoting these as luxury souvenirs.
  • Online Presence: Platforms like FaceBook, Instagram boutiques, and local brands are connecting global buyers to these crafts.
camel-skin-craft-croppedCamel Skin Craft
camel-skin-craft-1Camel Skin Craft
camel-skin-craft-7Camel Skin lamps

Camel Skin Craft - Challenges & Preservation

Challenge

  • Declining interest from youth
  • Market competition
  • Limited promotion
  • Fragile income models

Impact

  • Fewer artisans continue the tradition
  • Industrial decor floods local markets
  • Minimal government and media spotlight
  • Inconsistent sales and lack of export support

Preservation initiatives need to focus on:

  • Craft schools in Multan and Bahawalpur
  • Women-led collectives and urban training centers
  • Public-private partnerships to support exports and workshops

Camel Skin Craft - Why It Matters Today

Camel skin crafts represent:

  • A fusion of design, heritage, and sustainability
  • A livelihood for many regional artisans
  • A form of soft diplomacy showcasing Pakistan’s cultural strength

In a world hungry for authenticity, these crafts offer meaningful beauty.

Camel Skin Craft - Conclusion: A Craft Worth Saving

To preserve camel skin craft is to protect more than a product—it is to safeguard a living legacy. These artifacts light more than rooms—they light memories, identities, and hopes for future generations.

Let the glow of camel skin lamps remind us that even in a fast-moving world, there is room for slow beauty, mindful creation, and cultural pride.

“To illuminate a camel skin lamp is to light up a chapter of Pakistan’s cultural story.”

As MizLink Pakistan continues to highlight the achievements of women, artisans, and professionals, crafts like these are celebrated, supported, and shared—not just as relics of the past, but as living heritage.

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