Faith in every shell: Karachi’s Hindu artisan honors Islamic art through seashell creations

​In Karachi’s coastal areas, approximately 300 Hindu families are preserving a centuries-old tradition of seashell artistry, crafting Islamic calligraphy and motifs from seashells. One such artisan, 64-year-old Babu Lal, meticulously inscribes seashells with sacred Islamic names and verses, transforming them into delicate showpieces displayed in upscale shops and homes across Pakistan. This art form, passed down through generations since before Pakistan’s independence in 1947, involves collecting, cleaning, and handcrafting seashells without the use of machines. Despite challenges such as declining demand and environmental concerns affecting shell availability, these artisans continue their work, fostering interfaith harmony and preserving a unique cultural heritage.

https://www.arabnews.pk/node/2595531/pakistan