Blocks of onyx ready to shaped
by the artisans of Dominion Traders

In the 50 years since its independence, the population of Pakistan has moved into the cities for a chance at prosperity working in factories. Nearly 20 independently-owned factories, each employing about 100 workers, are associated with Dominion Traders, an export company based in Karachi. When large onyx boulders arrive from the mines in Naukundi, a representative from each workshop chooses a block of stone with the most beautiful coloring and grains. The blocks are then cut into smaller pieces and transformed into items ranging in size from an apple to a lamp. Pakistan is also known for its intricately carved pieces cut from shesham wood.

BCP has 128 permanent staffers (all are share holders) in total, out of which 52% are women. All artisans participate in an extensive apprenticeship program and are entitled to continuing education courses to help them become more upwardly mobile in the job market.