Journal of Economic and Social Research Vol. 18, Special Issue.1, 2019, 87-98

Copyright © 2019 Journal of Economic and Social Research

ISSN: 1302-1060

www.jesr.org

COPPERSMITH (MESGARI) IN THE KERMAN

MARKET: PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

Najmeh Falsafi1

Abstract. Mesgari bazaar in Kerman was an important element in the production and

meeting the needs of people’s lives in the past. Copper utensils are used as one of the

important movables and immovable items showing us the fields of protection,

conservation and promotion of cultural identities in the past. The purpose of this study

is to evaluate and understand the status of Mesgari, its position in the market in

Kerman, its problems and current limitations as well as its future prospects. Also,

according to the role of Mesgari in promoting and enriching the local culture and

creating employment, qualitative and quantitative ways are provided to develop the

industry in bazaar in Kerman. This study is an applied research and is used

descriptive-analytical method; and survey method is used for collecting data. The

results show that the problems of the art of Mesgari are divided into two categories.

Coppersmiths are mostly facing with such challenges including the preparation of

copper sheets, the high prices of raw materials, the entry of deluxe and factory-made

copper utensils to the market, underrating the artists as well as audio and physical

injuries at work. The consumers are also facing with challenges in the section of

demanding copper utensils such as changing people’s attitudes, the high price of

copper dishes, and lack of awareness about how to use copper utensils and the benefits

of cooking meals by using them. In the end, some solutions are presented to solve the

problems.

Keywords: Mesgari, Mesgari in Kerman, Kerman Bazzar, Copper, Handicrafts

1. INTRODUCTION

Copper has long been a precious and invaluable metal. According to historical and

archaeological evidence obtained from Tal-Eblis, Shahdad and ancient Jiroft

civilization, Kerman is undoubtedly one of the first origins of manipulating this

precious metal. Smelting furnaces of copper in the cities in Kerman Province and its

remains evidence that Kerman is the cradle of copper and Mesgari. Mesgari was an

important element in the production and meeting the needs of people’s lives in the

past; and most containers as well as decorative and practical objects were made from

copper. Among ancient Mesgari bazaars which are mostly replaced by jobs and

careers nowadays, Bazaar of Kerman is well-known where the art of coppersmithing

is prominent besides other arts (such as Iranian embroidery- Pateh, carpet weaving,

Kilim and etc.) presenting a lot of artworks. Understanding the art of Mesgari and its

status as well as the evaluation of its problems and solutions is essential in maintaining

and developing this art. Descriptive-analytical method is used to achieve research

objectives and literature review, questionnaire and interview are used for gathering

data. Therefore, by examining the causes and barriers to the development of this

activity, we have presented guidelines for the development of this activity in Kerman.

1.1 Field of research

According to archaeological studies in the central mountains of Kerman Province,

there were copper specific workshops in this area related to more than 4000 years BC .

Tal-Eblis is one of the places which has been discovered in Bardsir city and has been

taken into consideration by domestic and foreign officials and researchers in recent

1 M.A in Islamic Art, University of Art, Tehran, Iran

Coppersmith (Mesgari) in the Kerman Market: Problems And Solutions

88

years. Many artworks and antiques having a long history have been discovered in this

hill which makes man wonder. Tal-Eblis was once a big city in the area of Bardsir.

The oldest metal melting furnaces related to thousand years ago have been discovered

in Tal-Eblis (Matoofi, 2001, 7-11). According to discoveries made in this hill, there

were perfect copper casting workshops working in these areas in 4037 years BC

(Farieh, 1995, 185). Believing in rebirth after death, people in Tal-Eblis buried the

corpses in dome-like vaults with copper and clay objects. The most ancient object

having been found in Tal-Eblis is related to the time when people became familiar

with copper industry for the first time in the fifth millennium BC (Woolf, 1991, 1-4).

Copper has long been a precious and valuable metal and Kerman province has a lot

of rich mines. In fact, it was an important center of making and designing copper

dishes having special application in everyday life in the past; resulting in the special

status of copper-related arts such as surface working, engraving, embossing, string

coursing and metal engraving. According to historical and archeological discoveries

from Tal-Eblis, Shahdad and ancient Jiroft civilization, Kerman is the first origins of

working with copper. Therefore, coppersmith is an indigenous and traditional industry

with an ancient history always having a special position in different periods.

Coppersmith industry enjoyed a great prosperity in Kerman 20 years ago; resulting in

dedicating a bazaar known as Mesgari bazaar to the owners of this industry. Once

upon a time, dozens of coppersmiths were making different kinds of copper dishes

and objects by their talent and perseverance.

1.2 Research purposes

The main purpose of this research is “to evaluate and understand the status of the art

of coppersmithing and its position in the market in Kerman, its problems and current

limitations as well as future prospects” and special purposes of the research are as

follows:

- The study of coppersmith in the bazaar of Kerman in the past

- The recognition of current problems and issues related to coppersmith in the bazaar

of Kerman

- The presentation of quality and quantity improvement solutions for coppersmith in

the bazaar of Kerman

Accordingly, recognition and definition of main variables; particularly, socio-

economic and cultural variables, directly and indirectly affecting the process, are

studied in this research.

1.3 The importance of the research

From the earliest days, man has been dealing with natural phenomena including

geological issues; and this is due to the need for natural materials in an environment

where they live. By reaching different metals and minerals and using those to make

different things, human needs never end and they are constantly exploring newer facts

and issues. Copper is the first known metal in primitive societies used for making

dishes. Today, by recognizing copper potential such as high electrical and thermal

conductivity, high pressure resistance, strength and other properties, copper, whether

pure or gross copper (brass- nickel-bronze), has a lot of industrial applications.

Coppersmith is an old skill. The voice of hammers beaten on copper is no longer heard

in the Mesgari bazaar in Kerman remaining from Safavid era.

1.4 Research background

Researchers have done some researchers on the subject of Mesgari and decorations

on Mesgari works of art. A lot of books, articles and research projects have been

studied on the subject of the art of Mesgari while unfortunately not so many direct

resources were found in this regard. Therefore, most resources have been studied

regarding to gathering data. As the most prominent applied art and one of the three

top world’s handicrafts, Iran’s handicrafts are an independent and local industry

which has deep established roots in Islamic culture of Iran (Hasan Beigi, 2008).

Handicrafts can complete some historical and tourism attractions. Countries which are

origins of handicrafts aim to develop handicrafts exports by adopting supportive

measures and incentive policies. The following factors such as dissimilarities, the

relative cheapness, high purchasing power, the desire to purchase and consume

objects of art and promotion of traditional arts and handicrafts can cause the

development of each other and lead society towards creativity, innovation and

N. Falsafi

89

entrepreneurship with emphasis on national wealth, export promotion and handicrafts

preservation and restoration (Hatefi, 2009). Handicrafts not only creates employment

for a vast majority of people but it also balances economy as a side job besides other

activities; and in some cases it has such economic efficiency to be considered as a

permanent job helping artisans making a living. The possibility of handicrafts export

is another special privilege of this art industry that can bring our artistic and cultural

beliefs of our country to overseas (Ghareh, 1995). Copper is the first metal known,

melted and used by man about 2000 years B.C. The use of copper for the first time

dates back to seven to eight thousand years B.C in the valleys of Tigris and Euphrates,

the oldest civilizations. It was during this period that copper was smelted and molded

into desired shapes by man. When doctors realized the importance of copper utensils,

copper dishes were reused by people. The high demands of copper dishes made

coppersmiths to restart Mesgari; but, the high demand cause dealers and those making

fake objects become jobless. If handicrafts administrators sponsor coppersmiths, they

are able to produce invaluable dishes. Today, Mesgari as the traditional and ancient

handicrafts in the historical city of Kashan has been faced with unprecedented

recession and its genuine position has been lost. Once upon a time, all chambers in

the bazaar were dedicated to coppersmiths; however, a few places can be found for

coppersmith skilled artisans. The results indicate the significant of using recent

technology and knowledge, making diversity and innovation while preserving cultural

originalities, establishing research and training centers, special support of all those

involved in traditional recessing jobs, training and transferring techniques from

generation to generation, encouraging creative artisans as role models, making

industries to become applied to be participated more in life and to make culture and

traditional arts known to other nations and countries (Joybari, 2011). Not so long ago,

Mesgari as an occupation was very prosperous; but, by the advent of technology, it

gradually lost its former glory over time. Research results, base on harmful usage of

polymer materials, claim hopeful welcome from containers used by earlier

generations and the rebound in some professions such as Mesgari (Shahbazi, 2008).

1.5 Different periods of Mesgari in Kerman

According to existing evidence, Mesgari dates back to 7000 B.C. A period when

people were considered as the first metalworkers; and copper, as a discovered metal

by man, was recorded in the history of human civilization. After realizing some

defects in the metal, man sought dispelling them by combining the metal with tin. This

artifact was the origin of metalworking in Iran’s copper products. In this regard,

Kerman Province was considered the main center of copper productions; particularly,

copper dishes due to the location of large copper mines in Sarcheshmeh, Bardsir,

Shahre-e Babak counties and many other local mines around Kerman from past to

present. Mesgari has embraced its special construction methods and design features

in any period as well as enjoying some ups and downs according to the period of time

(Ehsani, 2007, 6) (Table 1 & Figure 1).

Table 1: Mesgari historical periods in Kerman (writer, 2015) Period Characteristics and evolution of Mesgari

Copper Hammering copper without melting

5000 years B.C Development of techniques of the last period and gaining mastery in smelting copper and

making objects

3000 years B.C Development of techniques of the last period and gaining mastery in smelting copper and

making objects

2000 years B.C Development of techniques of the last period and gaining mastery in smelting copper and

introducing casting techniques

1500 years B.C Development of techniques of the last period and the art industry of Mesgari and introducing

casting techniques

Ancient era Development of techniques of the last period and the art industry of Mesgari

Achaemenian Development of metalworking, casting, cold hammering, soldering and riveting, tendency to

realism with high accuracy

Safavid Development of techniques of the last period, making innovative approaches and the era of

metalworking enrichment and golden era of art

Qajar falling of the art industry of Mesgari

Afshari, Zandi The methods of earlier eras like Qajar era

Pahlavi Uniformity and the mere imitation of Seljuk and Safavid styles since early Pahlavi era to the

60s and mostly for selling in the market

Contemporary Routine and uniform styles like previous era until 60s, since then loss of its prosperity

2015 Rare handmade containers, machine-made containers in abundance

Coppersmith (Mesgari) in the Kerman Market: Problems And Solutions

90

Image 3: Plate 3000

B.C, National Museum

of Iran (the report of

eight chapters of

exploration in Shahdad,

2006, 18)

Image 2: Plate 3000 B.C,

National Museum of Iran

(the report of eight

chapters of exploration in

Shahdad, 2006, 18)

Image 1: Flag 5000 years

B.C, National Museum

of Iran (the report of

eight chapters of

exploration in Shahdad,

2006, 18)

Image 6: Basin 3000

B.C, Kerman Harandi

Garden Museum

(Writer, 2015)

Image 5: Tass (bath

bowl), Safavi, Saeid

Godarzi personal

collection (Writer, 2015)

Image 4: Plate, Pahlavi,

Saeid Godarzi personal

collection (Writer, 2015)

Image 9: Factory-made

Teapot, made in 1394,

Kerman Bazaar (Writer,

2015)

Image 8: Machine-made

Tray, made in 1394,

Kerman Bazaar (Writer,

2015)

Image 7: Machine-made

Dish, made in 1394,

Kerman Bazaar (Writer,

2015)

Figure 1: Historical Backgrounds of Kerman City

1.6 Mesgari stages

Mesgari in Kerman has three stages. 1- Making copper dishes 2- Bleaching (if

necessary)

Stages of making Mesgari dishes: 1- Blasting 2- Lamination 3- Instrumentation 4-

Surfacing 5- Mesgari 6- Casting 7- Mending

Before Shahid Bahonar Copper Ind.Co producing copper sheets in Kerman Bazaar, a

group named Atashkar (Fire Workers) was melting copper and copper scraps in

melting furnaces. Molten metal was poured in ingots (Rijh) and copper ingots were

made and a group of artisans made rolled sheets by beating repeatedly on the resulting

ingots. This was done by one or two hammering men in two quite distinct stages. First,

the metal was smashed flat on the floor or so called “was unweave” following by

being flatten with “special hammers”. At this moment, the metal had to be squeezed

N. Falsafi

91

by hand. This process would continue until the correct size and thickness was

achieved. The copper heater man was aimed at providing the metal in the required

form as much as possible (Woolf, 1993, 19). After Shahid Bahonar Copper Ind.Co

was established in Kerman, coppersmiths provide prepared rolled sheets in different

diameters from Tehran and Isfahan markets. Coppersmiths need to prepare tools such

as hammer, different types of styluses, anvils, etc. which are usually made by the order

of coppersmiths. Artisans make flat works of art like trays, plates and etc. with high

edges or drains with large diameter walls and perforated bases by punching or drilling.

In making these objects, the sheets are hammered into the desired shape through cold

hammering. A group of coppersmiths, besides flattening, are able to make complex

dishes connected together from different parts. A group of coppersmiths in Kerman

made large dishes by using two or more pieces of copper sheets like saucepan, Nitcheh

pot (a container for extracting rose oil), cauldron, tankard tub and etc. Kerman was

well-known for making hand-made large en bloc dishes. First, copper was opened and

then after each round, there was a twist. Large objects were also made this way by

round sheets. Some coppersmiths had expertise in making larger copper pots called

“Tian” used in public baths. These pots were made up of thick copper sheets having

been riveted together following with tin soldering used in them to prevent water from

leaking. Making copper objects through casting was being done by a group of

coppersmith artisans in Kerman. Making handles for containers, pot lids, statues and

etc. through casting. Metals were melted and molded into the desired shapes for

making objects such as different cups, mirrors, censers, statues, etc. casting was

usually done in workshops due to scientific and beneficial reasons requiring heavy

pieces such as furnaces, blacksmith wheels, lathe and a number of expert artisans; but

at the same time special orders were also accepted by mobile casters. Sometimes, a

piece of copper objects or copper containers was damaged by hits or various reasons

sent to trained coppersmiths for being repaired. The master separated the damaged

piece by using scissors and a piece of copper as thick as the container was separated

making the jagged edge container and the piece latched together following by silver

soldering the pieces beating them delicately to cover the welded spot. By flattening,

the container sounded like a uniform piece. Sometimes, the containers are not able to

be repaired; therefore, coppersmiths melt those containers and make them into objects

or are sent to Shahid Bahonar Copper Co. in order to deliver copper sheets instead.

The inside and sides of copper dishes, especially those used for making meals, are

covered by white tin. This is done by other artisans named as whitesmiths made

contract with coppersmiths. They were also called “Saffar” whose shops were next to

coppersmith shops in the past. Whitening was mostly done by coppersmiths

themselves and it is most common nowadays. A dish which needs to be whitened is

placed in a container full of aqua fortis for two hours following by rubbing them with

sand and gravel to clean all grease out of it. In the past, whitener put his feet inside

the container and making it clean by moving it on sand and gravel so as to be rubbed.

After the cleaning stage, the container would be placed gently on fire to become

heated using a tong to twist it repeatedly in order to heat all parts of the container. At

the same time, a tin piece is being touched by a hot container to become melted. The

master, while holding the container in one hand and cotton soaked in ammonium

chloride in another, whitens all parts of the container by spreading the melted tin all

over the container with the cotton. Larger containers are turned around over furnaces

to complete the act of whitening. The whitener holds the container over fire by using

tong and washes it in cold water at the end (Figure 2 & Table 2).

Coppersmith (Mesgari) in the Kerman Market: Problems And Solutions

92

Figure 2: Mesgari in Kerman

Image 10: Surfacing,

measuring on copper

sheet

Image 11:

Surfacing, cutting

copper sheet

Image 12: Surfacing,

hammering on copper

sheet

Image 13: Tray made by

surfacing

Image 14: Mesgari,

measuring on copper

sheet

Image 15: Mesgari,

measuring on

copper sheet

Image 16: Mesgari,

heating

Image 17: Mesgari,

hammering the base of

the dish

Image 18: Mesgari,

hammering the edges of

the dish

Image 19: Mesgari,

jagging copper

sheet

Image 20: Mesgari,

inserting the base and the

edge

Image 21: Mesgari,

lining

Image 22: Mesgari,

attaching the handle to

the edge

Image 23: Mesgari,

making saucepan

Image 24: casting

workshop

Image 25: casting,

making statue

Image 26: Mending Image 27:

Bleaching,

degreasing

Image 28: Bleaching, tin

spreading

Image 29: Bleaching, the

bleached dish

N. Falsafi

93

Table2: Mesgari stages (Writer, 2015) Type of work stage No.

For making copper sheet from ore, copper ingots were made in furnaces and turn them into copper sheet in the past. It was done in

Bazaar.

Blasting 1

Making copper sheets Lamination 2

Mesgari stages require a tool made by toolmakers, coppersmiths or blacksmiths

Instrumentation 3

Shallow containers are made by coppersmith artisans Surfacing 4

Sophisticated containers are made by skillful coppersmiths Mesgari 5

For making handles, lids, statues, etc. Casting 6

Repairing damaged containers is done by a group of artisans. Mending

7

This is the last stage of Mesgari. If required, the dishes would be

bleached.

Whitening 8

1.7 Different usage of copper in Kerman

The most common usage of copper dishes was at homes or in kitchens. Cooking was

done in copper pots. Meals were served in plates and bowls and carried on trays. Ewer

or tankard tub was usually used at tables, in which water, used for washing hands, was

poured. Decorations were hung or installed for decorating kitchens. Chandelier and

containers used for serving guests in guest room were mostly made up of copper and

thurible was burned and put on copper plates for welcoming guests. Copper pen-boxes

and inkstands were used by literacy people and officials. Mirror, makeup and jewelry

boxes of women were made up of copper. Basin, ewer, soap and ceruse keeper and

etc. which were used for bathing were made up of copper. Washing dishes for new

born babies and their mother were made up of copper. At mortuaries, copper dishes

were used for washing corpses. Copper dishes were used for cooking and serving

meals in ceremonies and funerals. Copper nitcheh pots or large cauldrons were used

at home or in factories for pastry, making Faloodeh and extracting rose oil. Large

cauldrons were also used dyeing. Copper, gold and silver threads were used for

clothing decoration. In religious ceremonies, very large copper saucepans, bowls,

plates, spoons, forks and trays were used for cooking, serving and carrying meals. In

mourning rituals and Muharram, symbolic objects like Alam and Chain were made

up of copper. There were small copper drinking bowls in troughs at the entrance of

mosques and holy places which were decorated by the verses of the holy Quran. The

foundation of the dome of mosques was made up of copper. Copper had also medical

usages. Containers of certain sizes were used for having drugs. Special copper

instruments were used to respected traditions while cupping. They were also used in

making glasses. Copper had also an important role in agriculture and animal

husbandry. Instruments like scythe, teat cups, bells, spur and so on were all made up

of copper. Copper was used for making handles, latch, gable roof, electrical wire of

taps and so on. Tools used at the entrance of houses like door knocker, shaft, tacks,

latch, landing, snap and locks were made up of copper. Rooms and corridors were lit

by wick lamps or torches with metal bases (Ehsani, 2007, 139). Copper was widely

used in industries and trading like making electrical wires or appliances. Copper scales

were used in shops for weighting objects and in transactions as copper coins (Figure

3 & Table 3).

Coppersmith (Mesgari) in the Kerman Market: Problems And Solutions

94

Chandelier,

chahar soogh

bazaar,

Kerman

(Writer, 2015)

Jewelries, Kerman

Bazaar (Writer,

2015)

Washing dishes,

Ghanjali Khan

bath (Writer,

2015)

Pot used in

Ashura in Kerman

(Writer, 2015)

Glasses used

for medical

purposes –

Saeid Godarzi

personal

collection

(Writer, 2015)

Spur used in

animal husbandry

(Writer, 2015)

Copper wire

used in

architecture,

personal

collection

(Writer, 2015)

Telegraph, Saeid

Godarzi personal

collection (Writer,

2015)

Figure 3: Types of Copper Applications in Kerman

Table 3: Different Usage of copper in Kerman (Writer, 2015) Various samples Usage

Saucepan, frying pan, drain, oil heater dish, samovar, kettle, teapot, pastry

stamp, cauldron for cooking Sohan and Faloodeh, etc.

Cooking

Indoor

Bowl, plate, pitcher, mug, cup, sugar bowl, coffee keeper, milk drinker, etc. Serving food

Spoon, fork, cutlery basket, glass keeper, bowl, rose water bottle, pasamovari

set, trash bin, spices keeper, ladle, tray, brazier, hookah, pliers, pipe, etc.

Consumer

goods

Oil and milk keeper, meal keeper, etc. Preserving

food

Dish for serving pastry, fruit and nut, mirror frame, incensory, censer, tissue

holder, ashtray, keychain

Entertaining

guests

Small and large decorations, vase, flower, statue, tableau, tulip-shaped pots,

copper pendants, tray, antiques, etc.

Decoration

Necklace, earrings, bangles, bracelets, rings, anklets, kohl keeper, hair pins,

watchband, jewelry boxes, etc.

Jewelries

Chandeliers, torches, candlesticks, lanterns, wick oil lamp, etc. Lighting

Ewer, bath bowl (Tass), bowls, ceruse (whiting) keeper, soap keeper, basin,

tub, tankard, etc.

Bath

Nitcheh pot Extracting

rose oil

Large dishes for carrying bride accessories, container for henna ceremony, etc. Wedding

ceremonies

Buttons, scissors, thread, coins on clothes, buckle Clothing

Inkstand, pen box, etc. Calligraphy

Sports medals Sport

Name stamps Stamp

Trough, water bowls for drinking, Kashkool, Alam, doom of mosques, fetish, etc. Religious

Making glasses, containers for having drugs, containers for cupping Medical

Agriculture tools, snath, aquarius for animal drinking, etc. Agriculture,

animal

husbandry

Gable roof, door knocker, valves, etc. Architecture

Wires, armrest, stud, stair railings, door handles, communication equipment, car parts, telegraph,

etc.

Industries

Mintage, scale, etc. Trading

N. Falsafi

95

1.8 Research questions

Following research questions are presented based on the subject and purpose of the

research:

1- What were the features of Mesgari in Kerman Bazaar in the past?

2- What was the position of Mesgari in Kerman Bazaar in the past?

3- How were Kerman’s Mesgari productions produced in the past?

4- What were Kerman’s Mesgari productions in the past?

5- What are current issues in Mesgari in Kerman Bazaar?

6- What solutions can be presented to improve the quality, quantity and prosperity of

Mesgari in Kerman?

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This research is basically an applied research and the research methodology is

descriptice-analytical method. The research method of data collection are literature

review (written resources such as books, journals and the Internet including

downloaded articles and photos) and field studies (questionnaire and interview with

coppersmiths, Kerman merchants, customers and families in Kerman, visiting

Kerman Bazaar while shooting pictures and videos of Kerman Mesgari Bazaar and

looking at antiques shops). The data analysis method is qualitative and quantitative

based on the subject of the research. Research findings are concluded by gathering

research data through inductive reasoning (from the more general to the more

specific); and then, are qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed.

3. CURRENT MESGARI PROBLEMS IN KERMAN BAZAAR

Once upon a time, the familiar and yet beautiful repeated voice of coppersmith

hammers on copper utensils was a symbol of Bazaar in Kerman, as the largest row of

indoor bazaar in Iran. After 60s, a small number of active and caring artisans in

Kerman Mesgari industry tried to prevent the industry from obsolescence despite the

economic problems they were facing with. Copper sheets in different thickness ranging from 100 kg. produced in Shahid Bahonar

Co. would be sold in cash to those who have economic code from Tax office because

wholesale is impossible for all coppersmiths.

Mesgari requires basic tools such as copper sheets, hammer, anvil and some other tools

relating to forging, woodturning and bleaching.

The importation of factory-made copper dishes into Mesgari market

The importation of luxury Chinese, Pakistani, Teflon, cast iron, zinc and so on into the

market.

Loss of coppersmiths. Old coppersmiths become disabled and the new generation does

not care about this old profession.

Coppersmiths’ children are not interested in Mesgari and there are not students to be

trained by old coppersmiths.

Shortage of students and trainees

High price of rental shops and taxes in Ganjali Khan Complex.

Coppersmiths’ insurance problems and problems related to Kerman Cultural Heritage

Organization and Municipality

Lack of domestic and foreign advertising and marketing

Lack of sufficient funds

Lack of easy access to raw materials and copper sheets

Hearing impairment and physical damage

3.1 Consumer Problems The new generation are not interested in learning Mesgari

Lack of new generation’s awareness of Kerman Mesgari industry

People do not distinguish well between hand-made copper dishes and factory-made ones

Lack of awareness of how to use copper dishes

Not having enough money to start Mesgari as a business among new generation

There is not a specific discipline among fields of technical-vocational organization

Changing people’s attitudes from traditional life towards luxurious life (Table 4).

Table 4: Summary of results obtained from problems in Kerman Mesgari industry

(Writer, 2015)

Coppersmith (Mesgari) in the Kerman Market: Problems And Solutions

96

Description of problems Problems

Preparing copper sheets Raw materials

High price of raw materials

The importation of factory-made copper dishes into Mesgari market

Artisans

The importation of luxury Chinese, Pakistani, Teflon, cast iron, zinc and so on into the

market

Loss of coppersmiths and old coppersmiths become disabled

Coppersmiths’ children are not interested in Mesgari

Shortage of students and trainees

High price of rental shops and taxes

Problems related to Kerman Cultural Heritage Organization

Problems related to Kerman Municipality

Coppersmiths’ insurance problems

Underestimating coppersmiths

Lack of domestic and foreign advertising and marketing

Hearing impairment Injuries at work

Physical damage

High price of hand-made copper dishes

Consumers

The new generation are not interested in learning Mesgari

People do not distinguish well between hand-made copper dishes and factory-made ones

Lack of awareness of how to use copper dishes

Changing people’s attitudes from traditional life towards luxurious life

Low level of creativity and innovation in hand-made copper dishes

Lack of new generation’s awareness of Kerman Mesgari industry

People do not have enough information about Mesgari Bazaar

Families are not familiar with the benefits of cooking meals in hand-made copper dishes

Not having enough money to start Mesgari as a business among new generation

There is not a specific discipline among fields of technical-vocational and skill education

(Kar-danesh) schools

Quality and quantity improvement solutions in Kerman Bazaar Easy access to inexpensive copper sheets and coppersmith raw materials

Restricting the entry and sale of any non-handicraft goods and factory-made copper items

in Kerman Mesgari Bazaar

Making coppersmiths familiar with innovations and fostering their creativity while

offering new plans based on the needs of coppersmiths

Offering brochures while selling copper goods

Holding occasional live programs from Kerman Mesgari Bazaar by IRIB to encourage

coppersmiths, interview with coppersmiths for promotion, making related documentaries to

introduce traditional arts and indigenous coppersmith handicrafts by protecting and

promoting the Islamic Iranian culture and identity while protecting public opinion against

cultural invasion

Holding specialized meetings attended by professors and experts to introduce indigenous

coppersmith handicrafts

Holding cultural meetings attended by young people and provincial elites related to

coppersmith handicrafts to create hope, joy and national assertiveness in different sections of

society, especially in youth.

Holding radio and television competitions to introduce indigenous coppersmith

handicrafts and artistic figures of this art

Holding conferences celebrating the glories of the field in cooperation with organizations

and institutions by inviting these figures in permanent and seasonal crafts exhibitions

Identifying coppersmith target markets and its marketing

Exempting coppersmiths from paying taxation

Insuring coppersmiths

Creating a special site for coppersmiths and providing sample productions

Transferring shops against the main square and empty shops located in Mirza Hossein

Khan caravanserai to young interested coppersmiths

Training young artisans by masters

Following safety rules including the use of phones and special glasses, clothing and safety

shoes during operation

Making coppersmith production centers for the new generation in a safe environment

Making the new generation aware of Coppersmith market and the rest of the market

Creating tourist attractions in Coppersmith market

Creating an independent discipline in schools and universities related to Coppersmith

Publishing books to introduce Mesgari and biographies of native figures of the industry

and making documentaries in the field (Table 5).

N. Falsafi

97

Table 5: Solutions for the problems of Kerman Mesgari Bazaar (Writer, 2015)

Description of solutions Solutions

Easy preparation of copper sheets Raw material

Providing cheap raw materials

Prohibiting the importation of any non-handicraft goods into Kerman Mesgari Bazaar

Mesgari artisans

Familiarizing coppersmiths with innovations and fostering their creativity

Organizing live events in Mesgari Bazaar by media

Celebrating good examples of coppersmiths and assigning a day for them in the official

calender

Designing a special website for coppersmiths

Dedicating shops against the main square in Bazaar to young coppersmiths for doing

Mesgari

Restoration of one of the caravanserais in Bazaar for doing Mesgari

Training students by coppersmiths

Encouraging and supporting Mesgari artisans by the government and people

Holding permanent and seasonal exhibitions

Supporting old coppersmiths

Domestic and foreign marketing by the government or investors

Offering brochures while selling copper goods attached by copper containers’ usage and

storage instructions

Familiarizing coppersmiths with innovations and fostering their creativity

Reducing the importation of factory-made copper dishes to the market

Making credit and welfare infrastructure

Preventing from the destruction of Mesgari Bazaar and copper furnaces as a legacy of the

past in the city of Kerman

Wearing silencer earplugs at work by coppersmiths

Work injuries Wearing fireproof gloves while working with fire, lava and acid

Having a first aid kit and fire extinguisher

Introducing the benefits of cooking meals in hand-made copper dishes

Consumers

Inspiring young generations and transferring the art of Mesgari to new generation

Introducing manufacturing centers of hand-made handicrafts

Creating good atmosphere in the Bazaar and training centers

Separating machine-made copper containers from hand-made ones

Informing the new generation by inviting people from schools, universities and

organizations to visit Ganjali Khan Complex and Bazaar with the company of an expert

Establishing Mesgari training workshops

Creating tourist attractions

Creating independent discipline in art schools and professional universities

Revival of outdated productions

Supporting students learning the art of Mesgari for establishing Mesgari workshops by the

government

Asking the public and governmental agencies to donate gifts of hand-made copper dishes

Giving discount vouchers for buying hand-made copper dishes to civil servants

CONCLUSION

Mesgari is the noble and beautiful art in Kerman region; but today it has become less

important for different reasons. By analyzing problems and presenting proper

solutions, it can be revived. According to the results of this article, Mesgari reflecting

our cultural heritage and civilization requires a national commitment and full support

of the government and private sectors. Government can support coppersmith artisans

by contributing low interest payments and long-term loan repayments to them.

Holding permanent and seasonal exhibitions in different parts of the country, access

to international and global markets in the industry and the government support in

export section and considering export exemptions for coppersmiths can lead to the

economic boom of the industry and the country. Private sector investment in this area

and making known the industry nationally and internationally can lead to cultural

export by its revival along with youth employment, activating market and attracting

tourists. This can help to support the long history of our cultural heritage as a proud

of our country. Cooperation and collaboration of statesmen and artists in supporting

art and cultural heritage can also be an incentive in reviving this ancient and cultural

tradition in Kerman.

Coppersmith (Mesgari) in the Kerman Market: Problems And Solutions

98

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