In the 50 years since its independence, the population 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. Each individual artisan carves the onyx into bowls, animals, candlesticks, bookends, lamps, and boxes taking advantage of the natural colors and grains. Pakistan is also known for its intricately carved pieces cut from shesham wood.