Orissan craftsmanship is unique for its technical perfection and artistic excellence. The Orissan handicrafts, dominated by religious themes, are a fascinating combination of beauty, grace and utility. The creations are gorgeously alive, blending the modern with the traditional and the material range from grass to metal. The workmanship and skills of Oriya artists are famous across the world.
Significantly, most handicrafts in the state have their roots in the rituals and traditions of the famed Lord Jagannath of Puri. Brass work, silver filigree work, stone carving, applique work and pattachitra are all illustrations of artistic excellence. Broadly based on textile, stone, metal, Orissan handicrafts also based on a variety of paintings including the age old mural paintings. The sllk and cotton sarees of Orissa have worldwide fame.
The striking feature of Qrissa textile is the Ikat an intricate process of tie and dye in silk and golden thread. Leading textile types include the Passapali (chess board) design, the double ikat design of Sambalpur and the gold embroidered ones from Sonepur. The Bomkai ikats, whose motifs are drawn from the Shakti cult are also in great demand. Valued at anything between Rs. three thousand to about Rs. one lakh, most of these items are acclaimed for their intricate designs and artistic excellence.
Applique
The applique market of Pipili, a small town near Puri, preserves and practices a tradition dating back to over one thousand years. Applique, a French word, is a technique of superimposing patches of coloured fabrics on a basic fabric. Applique items like Chhati (big umbrella), Chanduas (canopies) and Tarasa (a heart shaped fan) are closely associated with temple rituals. Conventionally five basic colors red, black, yellow, green and white were used, but with the time and demand more colors have been added. Items like garden umbrellas, shoulder bags, ladies hand bag, wall hangings, lamp shades etc. have been runaway hits in both the domestic and the international markets.
Tarakasi
The queen of Orissa’s handicraft is the silver filigree work locally called Tarakasi. Unique to Cuttack city and nearby areas, the process involves making of fine strands of silver wire which are then shaped into various designs. The finished items include ladies ornaments, fancy items, bangles, vermillion container etc. Filigree products comprise an important export item of the state.
Dhokra (brass) and bell metal industry
Dhokra (brass) and bell metal industry has also flourished in the State and engages quite a few artisans. Dhokra casting is essentially a folk craft, practiced by an aboriginal caste known as Sithulias and is limited to few pockets in Keonjhar and Mayurbhanja districts. The lost wax process is still followed. The raw material used is not of pure brass but an alloy of copper, zinc and other scrap metals to give it typical antique look. Beautiful decorative, pieces are made even as the folk design is kept intact.
The raw materials used for bell metal industries are an alloy of copper and tin. The products can be categorized into three groups i.e. items produced through process of beating, those by casting and residual flexible brass items like snake, fish etc. This craft is practiced by the Kansari community. Bell metal is used for making temple bells, gongs, manjira, ankle bells beside utensils and other fancy items.
Stone carving
Stone carving art is perhaps the most ancient, as is evident from the 2200 years old elephant sculpture of Dhauli. These craftsmen have kept the art alive and still use their chisel and hammers to bring stone blocks to life in an aesthetic manner. The stones used are generally the khandolites and granites for detailed delicate carvings. The modern decorative pieces depict images from the temples and other Bddhists sculptures. The most famous of all is the Sun temple wheel. Orissa is proud of its ancient painting tradition.
Tribal mural painting
It is a centuries-old tradition and can be seen on the mud walls of tribal hamlets. The Saura and Juanga paintings have caught the attention of art lovers and slowly found their way to the international market.
Pattachitra
Another form of painting is the famous Pattachitra of Raghurajpur. This art form is generally used for religious painting and revolves around religious rituals. Traditionally practiced by maharanas, the art is practiced on a hard surface, prepared by treating cloth with lacquer. Lately Raghurajpur has been declared as the ethnic village by Govemment of lndia for the promotion of this art.
There are many other form of crafts like horn work, lacquer work and Papier Mache that have been languishing for want of patronage and fund.
Another neglected art is the making of combs by tribal communities. Out of the living tribes in the state 10 to 15 tribal communities know the art of comb making. The saying goes, those who dont make combs cannot buy them. They vary from community to community according to the materials used and the shape and size.
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