Baghmukhe Chulesi at risk of disappearance

BY OUR CORRESPONDENT

Pyuthan, Aug. 8: In Budhachaur, a Dalit settlement in Mallarani Rural Municipality-4, 60-year-old local Jokh Bahadur BK has been making ‘Chulesi’ for his livelihood. His main profession is making and selling ‘Baghmukhe Chulesi’ (tiger-faced traditional metal cutting equipment).

Due to the lack of transfer of the Chulesi-making skills to the new generation and the absence of new craftsmen, this traditional craft is now at risk of disappearing. BK, who learned the craft from his grandfather and father, is now the only person continuing this profession.

“I’m the only one making Chulesi in the village now,” he said. “Some have gone abroad, others have passed away.” He recalled that there used to be four or five craftsmen in the village, but now he works alone.

The Chulesi is made by shaping the clay found in the jungle, known as ‘Dewal’, into a tiger’s face, and then casting brass using wax moulds. Once the shape is formed, an iron edge is fitted into it to complete the tiger-faced ‘Chulesi’. Making it requires a lot of attention.

“It’s difficult to manage the temperature properly, so many pieces often get ruined,” he said. “Usually, I start making four to five at once.” He shared that it takes about a week to complete one ‘Chulesi’. He also said that the process is labour-intensive, and the prices of raw materials like wax and brass are rising.

“At my age, now over 60, I can’t continue this for long,” he added. “If we could transfer the skills to the younger generation, this district's identity could be preserved.”

Chairman of Mallarani Rural Municipality, Krishna Bahadur Khadka, said that although they had planned a programme for the preservation and promotion of the Pyuthani ‘Baghmukhe Chulesi’, the programme was affected due to a halt in its budget.