Afghanistan preserves a long and rich tradition of traditional handicrafts, the production of which has long been deeply rooted in the ritual or functional needs of society. However, traditional Afghan crafts have been neglected now for almost a generation. Carpet weaving, pottery, miniature painting, woodcarving and needlework need time and a sense of security before they can flourish again. Some crafts need equipment that refugees could not carry with them, such as looms and kilns. Tile workers need a building contract.

Afghanistan’s traditional handicrafts were once one of the country’s biggest industries, the others being dried fruit, oil and gas. In the past almost every province had its own handicraft industry, but today the lack of infrastructure, shortage of skilled crafts persons and few domestic customers means that this part of the economy has lost its reputation for quality. Training apprentices, improving quality for the export and the tourist markets and identifying funds to pay for initial loans or the reconstruction of workshops are the key developmental needs of the moment. Yet miraculously some handicrafts workers have returned to half-ruined homes with no electricity or plumbing and lack of security. They are beginning to make their crafts again.