Laktarashi: Local handicraft of Iran’s Mazandaran

Wood carving is among the oldest arts preserved in the northern Iranian provinces, including Mazandaran.

The abundance of wood has led to a form of wood carving known as Laktarashi which is the art of carving wooden vessels and containers engraved by shapes and patterns from the region’s mythologies and history.

The skill and method of turning a piece of raw wood into a beautiful item for daily use, is usually passed on from father to son.

The art of Laktarashi is believed to be 7000 years old and it is considered as the handicraft of the forest people.

Today, only a few numbers of Laktarashi masters have remained in Iran. The result of their long-standing endeavor has been a UNESCO seal of excellence.

In March 2018, Laktarashi was registered on the list of Iranian intangible heritage.

Watch this part of iFilm+ show to get to know two of the masters in this field, whose conscious attempts have brought global recognition for this ancient art.

More Persian handicrafts:

Rashti-Duzi

Korgi-Bafi

Haft-Rang tiles

Varni-Bafi

Papier-mache and lacquer work

Kapu weaving of Khuzestan

Pan-Bafi

Kiseh-Bafi

Darayi-Bafi

Aba-Bafi

Khorjin-Bafi

Chigh-Bafi

Sermeh-Douzi

Ihrami weaving

Gereh Chini

Varsho-Sazi

Shawl-Bafi

South Khorasan carpets

Qalamzani

Boroujerd nickel silverware

Monjugh-Duzi

Kalamkari

Pateh-Duzi

Chootashi

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