Srinagar, April 17 -- Copper was discoveredby early humans when they stumbled upon copper nuggets lying in streambeds. Fascinated by its reddish-orange color, they recognized its malleability and usefulness. As time elapsed, people learnt the art of making objects from copper. (An interview with Zareef Ahmed Zareef.)

Historical data suggests that copper-work started in Egypt somewhere around 5000 BC. When people lit fire on mountains, it produced small red bubbles of fire on rocks, which were extracted and hammered thereof. The first object made of copper was a hammer, followed by weapons and jewelry. The people of Egypt used to bury copper objects with the deceased, as a token of love or as a matter of belief in supernatural entities or...