HandiCrafts of Orissa

HandiCrafts of Orissa

Orissa treasures an opulent artistic heritage that has specimens from the temple architecture as well as the edifices. Skillful artists and craftsmen of Orissa still maintain their native art by continuously processing it to adapt to a changing taste. Be it the applique artists of Pipli or the stone carvers of Orissa, imperious progeny of artist hands carve the magnificent patterns and designs on Orissa's most renowned temples. The hereditary skills of artists has bequeathed traditional Orissan arts and crafts like weaving of Ikat, Bomkai and Sambalpuri Sari. Stone carving, applique and embroidery are equally famous, silver filigree work, palm leaf incised design, metal work, lacquered craftsmanship all have acquired a unique place world wide. A visit to the Raghurajpur artists' village and Pipli, near Puri, is definitely a revising experience.

Pattachitra
Patachitra which has a hoary history going back to the 5th century BC is done on cloth prepared with coating made from a mixture of chalk and gum. On this surface paintings are done with earth and stone colours. Apart from stories drawn from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata popular pattachitra themes are figures of Lord Jagannath, Balaram, Lord Krishna and his exploits with the Gopikas, Krishna holding up Govardhana, etc. All this is executed in a riot of exuberant colours: dark green, lapis lazuli, parrot green, rose madder, bright oranges, yellows. the paintings are touched by a hint of gold and silver.

Applique Craft of Orissa
A temple based craft which embellishes Lord Jagannath's umbrella, fan, etc. as well as the auspicious temple 'tombais' the applique craft of Pipli near Bhubaneshwar uses materials of various colours which are cut and stitched on a single colour base to form vibrant patterns. The applique work is done with great dexterity and the charming motifs include flowers, birds, animals at play and vignettes from every day life. The best of Orissa's applique work is distinguished by a dexterous juxta positioning of figures, forms, flora and fauna and the use of vivid colours. Softer pastel shades are used for garden umbrellas, accessories, etc.

Stone Craft
Soap stone and granite figures and icons are the speciality of Puri crafts persons. Many of the figures are those of gods and goddesses, apsaras and temple figurines. Different dance poses are beautifully executed on both granite and soapstone and brilliant craftsmenship and detailing go into the sculpting of jewellery on the figures, the fine depiction of stone trees laden with leaves, fruit, etc.

Woodwork
Wooden figures are made in the Puri region of Orissa. These figures are annually carved and worshipped during the Rath Yatra festival and then destroyed.

Masks
In Orissa, brightly painted masks are carved out of wood, shola pith and other indigenous materials, for use in the sahi jatra, a professional form of theatre, which takes place at the time of Ramlila, but seems to particularly highlight the death of ravana. Some of these masks are made in papier mache. The form is taken out on a a mould but the actual face, specially the expression appropriately related to each character is carefully painted in pleasing combinations of colours.

Silver Filigree
Orissa is a centre of pure silver filigree work. In this craft pure silver ingots are pu through a wire drawing machine and the hair like wires are twisted and flattened. The thin wires are pleated and flattened again to get them as thin as the original wire and then bent into various shapes to form the required shape of the designs. The space within the frame is filled with creepers, flowers, etc. The effect is incredibly delicate, almost lace like. Orissa craftsmen make beautiful silver filigree jewellery, kumkum boxes, spoons, etc.