Tunisia's sole artisan pipe-maker Anis Bouchnak carves smoking pipes from native briar wood, a craft passed down by his grandfather and father. All photos by AFP
Tunisia's sole artisan pipe-maker Anis Bouchnak carves smoking pipes from native briar wood, a craft passed down by his grandfather and father. All photos by AFP
The Bouchnak family workshop was established half a century ago in Tabarka, a northwestern tourist town nestled in verdant hills that plunge towards the Mediterranean.
The Bouchnak family workshop was established half a century ago in Tabarka, a northwestern tourist town nestled in verdant hills that plunge towards the Mediterranean.
Over the years, Bouchnak pipes have gained a certain renown.
Over the years, Bouchnak pipes have gained a certain renown.
"I am proud to be the only pipe-maker in Tunisia," said the craftsman, his hands roughened from his trade.
"I am proud to be the only pipe-maker in Tunisia," said the craftsman, his hands roughened from his trade.
"But frankly, I would have liked to have competition, because this would have motivated me to progress."
"But frankly, I would have liked to have competition, because this would have motivated me to progress."
French pipe-makers refused to teach Anis's grandfather Chedly Bouchnak their craft. So he spied on them to learn their secrets.
French pipe-makers refused to teach Anis's grandfather Chedly Bouchnak their craft. So he spied on them to learn their secrets.
37-year-old Anis took on the workshop in 2011 after the death of his grandfather.
37-year-old Anis took on the workshop in 2011 after the death of his grandfather.
He learnt the ropes from a master pipe-maker employed by his grandfather, who died last year.
He learnt the ropes from a master pipe-maker employed by his grandfather, who died last year.
Now, Bouchnak makes pipes in his own original style -- while not sacrificing functionality.
Now, Bouchnak makes pipes in his own original style -- while not sacrificing functionality.
"It's a whole market that's mine," he said. "But it's a burden to be the only pipe-maker, because I'm responsible for carrying on this craft and passing the torch on to someone else."
"It's a whole market that's mine," he said. "But it's a burden to be the only pipe-maker, because I'm responsible for carrying on this craft and passing the torch on to someone else."

MENA

The last pipe maker in Tunisia - in pictures

Anis Bouchnak is the only craftsman in Tunisia to continue to make pipes by hand

The National

February 10, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

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