from the Alive in Baghdad blog:

Baghdad, Iraq - Iraq is famous for many things, including woodcrafts. 
Woodcarving in particular is something well-known in Iraq. Iraqi 
families such as those of Abu Mustafa Al-Rubaie have been handing their 
skills down from generation to generation. Iraqi artists are one of many 
groups who have been the target of violence, such as bakers, academics, 
and those seen to be connected with the Multi-National Coalition forces.

The development of the craft has become rare as well-known artists and 
professionals of all variety with the means have fled the country. Today 
there is just one institute still teaching the skills of these Iraqi 
artisans. The Fine Arts Academy in Baghdad, where many artists have 
displayed work and taught, continues to provide lessons in woodcarving. 
Many artists are learning and developing their craft alone, displaying 
their work primarily in some of the remaining galleries of the Karrada 
neighborhood.



John

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