A 10-day exhibition called “Sakra’s Tanti Bazar” started on 10 October 2024 and is currently taking place at Dwip Gallery in Lalmatia, Dhaka, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This exhibition is created by artist and curator Tahmina Shaily. It showcases the traditional jewellery of Dhaka and the stories of the goldsmiths who make them.
The exhibition features a large collection of traditional jewellery, along with the old tools used by artisans, collected by Tahmina over the last ten years. It highlights how the once-thriving jewellery industry in Old Dhaka, especially at Tanti Bazar, is now fading away. The exhibition also includes interviews with goldsmiths, many of whom learned their craft from their fathers. These artisans now face challenges from industrialised jewellery production, which threatens their traditional skills.
“Tanti Bazar was my starting point for making jewellery,” Tahmina Shaily explained. She shared her journey around the country to see the work of different artisans and how their experiences shaped her own jewellery creations. Tahmina expressed her deep connection to Tanti Bazar, saying, “It brings peace to my mind. The crowded, noisy alley has a special meaning for me, filled with the scent of incense and piles of gold jewellery in small, dark rooms.”
The exhibition serves as a reminder of the rich heritage of jewellery making in Dhaka. It invites visitors to explore the beauty of traditional Dhaka jewellery and learn about the stories of its makers. “Sakra’s Tanti Bazar” will continue until 19 October, giving everyone a chance to appreciate this vital part of the city’s culture.
