Thatta Kedona

Culture is a Basic Need

Culture thrives even in little and nothing
Monday, March 24, 2025

posted by S A J Shirazi @ 10:39 AM, No comment,

NAD‘s Greenland in Dolls' Village TGD - A unique Tree Plantation Drive
Thursday, March 13, 2025

Mr. Nadeem Wahid Siddiqui, a writer, poet, and media advisor associated with Germany's international broadcast network DW, was a close friend and supporter of Thatta Kedona, our village handicrafts initiative. In addition, he was a genuine friend of nature. He departed from us over a year ago. His wife, Mrs. Aliya Nadeem, recently sponsored a tree planting charity in our village Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka in District Okara, Pakistan. Initially we have planted about 150 different fruit plants in addition to a few flower species. In this area, we plan to do more. We appreciate Ailya Bhabi's kind donation.

Labels: TGD, Thatta Kedona, Tree Plantation

posted by S A J Shirazi @ 3:38 PM, No comment,

Duhla From Punjab
Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Labels: Dolls, Duhla

posted by S A J Shirazi @ 10:16 AM, No comment,

Thatta Kedona on Samaa TV
Monday, March 10, 2025

On March 8, Samaa TV, Pakistan's private news channel, aired a video report honoring the amazing women artisans in our hamlet, Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka, in District Okara, Pakistan, in honor of International Women's Day. These women and girls produce beautiful handicrafts, such as ethnic dolls, that symbolize many parts of Pakistan under the auspices of Thatta Kedona. Dr. Senta Siller, a German anthropologist and designer, started this project over thirty years ago.

Click here to watch.

Labels: Dolls, Thatta Kedona

posted by S A J Shirazi @ 10:45 AM, No comment,

گڑیوں کے گاؤں
Saturday, March 8, 2025

پاکستان کے صوبۂ پنجاب کے ضلع اوکاڑہ میں ایک گاؤں ایسا بھی ہے جو 'گڑیوں کے گاؤں' کے نام سے مشہور ہے۔ گاؤں کی بہت سی ہنر مند خواتین گڑیا تیار کرتی ہیں جنہیں مختلف ممالک میں ایکسپورٹ کیا جاتا ہے۔ اس گاؤں میں یہ کام کیسے شروع ہوا اور خواتین کس طرح آگے آئیں؟ جانیے نوید نسیم کی اس رپورٹ میں۔

Labels: Dolls Village, Thatta Kedona

posted by S A J Shirazi @ 9:51 AM, No comment,

Pakistan’s crafts for empowerment: Dr. Gwendolyn Kulick's Work

The academic journey of German design researcher and Professor Dr. Gwendolyne Kulick is both extensive and impressive. She volunteered for the Thatta Kedona project from 2004 to 2017 and taught at the BNU in Lahore before moving to the University of Cairo in 2015. She also contributed to the Berlin Ethnology Museum’s Thatta Kedona doll display until 2017. Her doctoral research focused on the Thatta Kedona doll project in the small Pakistani village of Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka, located in the Okara District. Dr. Kulick completed her PhD at the School of Design and Art at Wuppertal University in Germany, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Brigitte Wolf. Her dissertation explored the topic of "Pakistan’s crafts for empowerment."

This link provides access to key sections of her dissertation, including details about the contributors and their perspectives.

Here is Thatta Kedona Window at Sahiwal Arts Council.

Here is the complete YouTube video.

Labels: Dr. Gwendolyn Kulick, Research, Thatta Kedona

posted by S A J Shirazi @ 9:40 AM, No comment,

Thatta Kedona at DACCHI Bazaar in LAHORE
Monday, February 17, 2025

Some impressions from 8-9.Feb 2025

Thatta Kedona is a vibrant handicrafts initiative nestled in the picturesque village of Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka, Okara district, Pakistan. This enchanting project showcases an exquisite array of handmade dolls, alongside a kaleidoscope of colorful handicrafts. Recently, these stunning creations were exhibited at the prestigious Daachi Arts & Crafts Exhibition in Lahore, captivating audiences from February 8th to 9th, 2025.

The Thatta Kedona initiative is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan, with its handicrafts beautifully showcasing the traditional costumes and customs of various regions. Founded over 30 years ago by renowned German artist, designer, and anthropologist Dr. Senta Siller, Thatta Kedona is proudly affiliated with the local NGO Anjuman-e-Falah-e-Aama (AFA), further underscoring its commitment to empowering local communities through artisanal craftsmanship.

Labels: AFA (NGO), Cultura eV Nauen, DGFK e V Berlin, Senta Siller, Thatta Kedona

posted by S A J Shirazi @ 2:55 PM, No comment,

A Chance Encounter: Reconnecting in Berlin
Sunday, November 24, 2024

In a heartwarming display of serendipity, Dr. Gwendolyn from Cairo and Dr. Senta from Vienna recently reunited at Berlin Central Station. This chance encounter was made all the more special because the two doctors first met over two decades ago.

Their initial meeting took place in 2001 on Pakistan Day at the Pakistan House in Potsdam, Germany. This event was organized by DGFK e.V. The seeds of friendship sown that day have clearly endured, as evidenced by their joyful reunion in Berlin.

During their meeting, Dr. Gwendolyn gifted Dr. Senta a printed edition of her dissertation, which features Thatta Kedona as one of the projects examined. This thoughtful gesture served as a poignant reminder of the power of human connections and the importance of nurturing friendships over time.

Labels: Berlin, DGFK eV Berlin, Dr Senta Siller, Dr. Gwendolyn Kulick, Thatta Kedona

posted by S A J Shirazi @ 10:39 AM, No comment,