Wood carvers from Tamu and Namphalong
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 23 2012:
Complementing the commercial activities between India and Myanmar, hordes of skilled wood carvers from the neighboring country have created a niche' for themselves at the border town of Moreh.
As the Indo-Myanmar border gates open at 7 in the morning these young artisans enter Moreh town, move to the respective work sheds, carry out their job and return to their country with Rs 400 to Rs 700 in their pockets before the gates shut at 4 pm.
Hailing from Tamu and Namphalong areas close to Moreh, these wood carvers expressed satisfaction over the wages they earn from Moreh furniture traders compared to their poor country.
The fine furniture products have also virtually added a new spectrum to the bustling business at the border town.
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They engage in carving different designs ranging from images of Hindu Gods like Krishna and Ganesha to various graphic patterns on teak wood frames for various furniture items like doors, cupboards, beds and sofa sets.
Teak plentifully found at Moreh is imported from Myanmar.
The demand for these designed frames is on the rise not only in Manipur but also in other parts of the country.
Interestingly most of the furniture stores in Moreh are run by Tamils who have permanently settled at the border town.
Some furniture outlet owners in Imphal also procure the designed wooden frames from Moreh and sell after assembling them in Imphal.
These items have also become an essential dowry item for upper middle class families of the State.
"I employ some skilled Myanmarese wood carvers in my furniture store.
They carve exactly any design pattern given to them.
After drawing the design with pencil on the wooden frame, they do their carving task with chisel and hammer of different sizes," said MP Sekhar, a Tamil who runs a furniture shop at Moreh.
Depending on the work they (carvers) do, the money is paid but normally they earn around Rs 500 and even more per day, he said.
Since the Myanmarese citizens are permitted to enter Moreh between 7 am and 4 pm they face certain difficulties, he added.