Iron Man

At first glance of reading the title of this blog, some of you may have thought that one of us in our family may have been training for the annual “IRON MAN” competition.
For those of you who know us personally, you know that physically it would only be possible for Preston or Parker to have a shot at competing………not possible for the remainder of us here in India.
For those of you who are reading this blog……….let’s just say that the only thing “Iron” that Linda or I could be associated with would be an Iron Skillet that she might want to knock me in the head with!


However, Linda and I took time out one day to visit the “HANDICRAFTS MUSEUM in DELHI”……not difficult to find………located just across from Purana Quila……..the Old Fort. I have a blog entry about Purana Quila if any of you are interested in it.
The Handicraft Museum has some very cool stuff……..things that you would normally find in a Museum…..items that date back in history from regions all across India. The artistry and talent is simply astounding and to easily see the variations from area to area was extremely interesting to us.


One of the other unique aspects of the museum is the “LIVING MUSEUM”……..yes, on any given day, the museum hosts actual artisans “pan India” to stay at the museum grounds and work and sell their arts and crafts.
If you are like me, I would much prefer to purchase something directly from the artist. It makes whatever the item is seem so much more special………the interaction with them, watching them practice their craft in front of you and maybe even having something made especially for you…….it can happen.
While you might be able to find the same thing on the shelves of numerous tourist gift shops…..this is so much more special…….and memorable.
So………the IRON MAN that I was referring to in the title of this blog entry are little “handmade” iron men that were on display at one of the little booths.


The artisan’s were working just across from their display……..heating up scraps of iron with a very crude coal fire with a foot operated “blower thing “……that was making the coals glow with heat……get the picture? I didn’t take one……silly me! Anyway, then they were hammering, bending, twisting, cutting, etc. and transforming raw material into pieces of art…….similar to some pieces we already have in our home.
If you have a chance to visit the Handicrafts Museum……..don’t miss it……..adventure and treasures abound!