Traam: A Photo Essay

Kashmiri Copperware, more popularly known as Traam, was amazingly enough a beautiful part of household tradition and an integral part of a bridal trousseau. Even today though locked up, gathering a fine layer of dust well out of use unless on occasions of matrimony or similar celebrations, they are just a kaalai (tin plating) away from splendour. The fancier ones of these are decorated with intricate carvings. With their Chinar patterns and delicate lattice, these too are very inherently Kashmiri. 

Here I have photographed four such utensils leaving out the popular Samovar and Traem.

Kyenz

A rice bowl; traditionally the women are known to eat in the kyenz. The one in the photograph also jingles happily when shaken.

Toor

Another rice bowl, the toor is what the males of the household eat their meal in.

Tash Naer

Graceful and intricately carved with patterns, this tash naer is a set of two utensils. Its beauty is not befitting of its purpose of a handwash. Traditionally, the meal is eaten with hands and the Naer, which is the water container is used to pour water while the person cleans up in the Tasht or the Basin.

Isband Soz:

Known to dispel evil spirits, the isband soz is an ancient incense burner used to burn sweet smelling wild seeds. Burning isband is a wedding tradition and isband zaalun a common synonym for ringing wedding bells.