Iraqi sculptor keeps country's engraving tradition alive
REUTERS
Among enthusiasts of handmade art, Hamid Abdulrazzaq Rwaiyd is a well-known name in Iraq.
The work of the Iraqi sculptor and engraver requires precision and time so it is unsurprising that his pieces are highly sought after by royal families from the Gulf and beyond.
His trademark is engraving rifles, pistols, and other such weaponry.
“I combined between engraving and sculpture, some pieces reached a point where the engraver -by himself- can’t master it because it needs sculpting, and the sculptor can’t master it because it need engraving, so I made a very beautiful pieces especially with Mesopotamian symbols, they demand a precise work where I can show my skill,” said Rwaiyd.
“I received 15 rifles of sheikh Zaiyd sons. I cherish these pieces because I excelled with them. I showed my skills in engraving, sculpting, and design. I used different patterns and designs. The rifle is divided into 3 parts: iron, wood and box, each one of these parts is an art piece in its own. These were very unique pieces,” he adds.
Some items can take days to complete, others months or even years.
One of his masterpieces is a revolver pistol that took him 6 years to finish – engraved both inside and out. Such intricacy has set a high bar for other engravers.
The engraver believes it is his duty to use his gifted talent to promote Iraq engraving tradition – running in his family for several generations.
“I’m interested in Iraq’s civilization and I feel that it’s my message to share and make people know about Iraq’s great civilization. I feel like I have a message to promote Iraq’s civilization not only in Iraq but also abroad when many of my art pieces travel abroad. I’m really proud of it,” he added.
Rwaiyd is an enthusiast of the Mesopotamian civilization, which is reflected in all of his art work, utilizing many Assyrian and Babylonian symbols as well as Islamic symbols and ancient Arabian poetry.
He hopes that by showing the younger generations what can be achieved with a little creativity, precision and concentration, the art of engraving will live on.
Source: www.nrttv.com