Basket waving in Kefrayya declining with the decreasing number of craftspeople

The small town of Kefrayya renowned for decades for its basket weaving is now witnessing the decline of this industry with the decreasing number of craftspeople which presently only total five people. One of the remaining active craftsmen is 75 years old, Mateh Makhul, who complained that his sons and grandchildren have chosen stop basket weaving which they considered not a profitable business anymore, because according to Makhul, the younger generation today seeks social security and pension benefits. This industry however, has faced sever setbacks in the wake of a fierce competition of from China, Malaysia and Thailand, Makhul noted. As for his daily production, Makhul indicated that he presently weave some 10 baskets each day, against up to 70 baskets in the past. “Production is declining with the decline in demand. But I have maintained some customers, mainly farmers, who purchase my baskets so as to pack their produce of fruits and citrus fruits”. On the key characteristics of basket weaving, he underscored the fact that it does not need much capital, only skills and taste adding that it capable of addressing his basic livelihoods needs.” However, Makhul expressed his skepticism about the future of basket weaving in Lebanon fearing that it may become extinct. (Al Diyar, 13 March 2015)