Art and Crafts of Chhattisgarh

Art and Crafts of Chhattisgarh

Crafts of Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh is much popular for its exclusive traditional art and crafts that make it an amazing place to find out unique artistic handicrafts and decorative items. Handicrafts of Chhattisgarh are fine example of artistic perfection of the local artisans and brilliant use of the natural resources in making of the beautiful home decor items. Tribal culture also resembles in these local art and handicrafts of Chhattisgarh. Wood carvings, bell metal (Dhokra) handicraft, terracotta figurines, tribal jewellery, paintings, clay pieces and cotton fabrics are much adorned local handicrafts of the region. These handicrafts are an integral part of culture of Chhattisgarh. Some of the popular handicrafts of Chhattisgarh are:

Bell Metal (Dhokra)

Bell metal or Dhokra work is most popular craft of the state and is usually practiced in Bastar & Raigarh districts of Chhattisgarh. Tribal artisans of the region craft bell metal handicrafts using brass and bronze with hollow casting and the lost wax technique. This art is known as ‘Dhokra Work’ and is mainly practiced by the tribes like ‘Ghadwas’ of Bastar and ‘Jharas’ of Raigarh districts. 

Traditional Ornaments (Tribal Jewellery)

Traditional ornaments of Chhattisgarh reflect tribal touch and is one of the most sought after items from this state. Well, traditional jewellery in Chhattisgarh is widely available in a variety of gold, silver, bronze and mixed metal. Along with tribal ornaments made out of beads, feathers and cowries are an integral part of tribal costumes as tribal men and women both equally tend to wear traditional ornaments.

Terracotta Figurines

Terracotta figurines also make an integral part of traditional craft of the state. Over the time, terracotta has become major part of the handicrafts produced in the state of Chhattisgarh. Craftsmen of Chhattisgarh state produce beautiful terracotta pottery representing the rituals and customs of tribals as well as symbolize their emotions perfectly in an attractive form of terracotta figurines.

Wrought Iron Work (Loha Shilp)

Wrought iron work or the loha shilp is another traditional craft form of Chhattisgarh. In this craft, wrought iron is used to create dark raw forms of the metal artifacts and figurines. Recycled scrap iron is mainly used as the raw material used for this craft of wrought iron. Some of the famous items made out of this traditional wrought iron craft include lamps, candle stands, effigies of musicians, toys, figurines, and deities etc.

Wall Paintings

Traditional art of wall paintings are also common in tribal regions of Chhattisgarh. These paintings are associated with rich culture and the rituals of the tribals. In this art from, walls and floors of the houses are painted with colors usually depicting some specific rituals of the tribes. Pithora painting is a common traditional art form originated in tribal area of the Central India. These paintings generally depicts offering to the Gods and various instances related to the rituals of the tribal communities. Well, these paintings are usually painted as ritual on various occasions including marriage, childbirth and fulfillment of any wish etc. Natural colors are used for these paintings and one can find these kinds of paintings in most of the houses in tribal dotted regions of Chhattisgarh state.

Godna

Godna is another traditional art form of Chhattisgarh mainly practiced by rural women in Jamgala village of Chhattisgarh. Mainly, women of this village paint traditional tattoo motifs (or Godna) on the textiles to give them attractive look with Godna art. Most of the art forms of Chhattisgarh are based upon natural resources and Godna art also has its connection with nature. For Godna art, natural colors are obtained from the forest and then combined with acrylic paint to enhance it stability on the fabric. Thus, ancient tribal art of Godna or tattoo has now become one of the pioneering art forms of the region.

Cotton Fabrics

Apart from all other handicrafts, cotton fabrics of Chhattisgarh are also quite famous as attractive handicrafts produced by tribals in the state of Chhattisgarh. Among these cotton fabrics, the most notable and famous one is cotton saree known as ‘Chhattisgarh Kosa Saree’. Besides, dressing materials and drapes are also in much demand. These hand-woven cotton fabrics are specially hand printed by the tribals of the region. Kosa thread is used for weaving of these fabrics and this thread is made from a specific kind of worm found in the forest of the state. Along with hand printing on these cotton fabrics is also unique as natural vegetable dye is used for hand printing. This dye is extracted from ‘Aal’ which is mainly found in the forest of Chhattisgarh.

Bamboo Work

Bamboo work is another famous craft of Chhattisgarh that showcases amazing craftsmanship of the local artisans. Tribals of Chhattisgarh generally use natural resources to produce various articles with their unique craftsmanship. Their artistic excellence can be seen in the articles they make out of bamboo for daily use and decorative purpose including baskets, fishing traps, hunting tools and agricultural implements etc.

Wood Carving

Chhattisgarh is also known for its beautiful wood carving art that has been an integral part of famous traditional crafts of this region. Craftsmen of Chhattisgarh have expertise in producing nicely carved wooden products and furniture. Different kinds of wood like shisham, sal, teak, dhudi and kikarare used for this purpose. Intricately carved wooden pipes, masks, doors, window frames, sculptures, ceilings, doors and lintels etc. are skillfully designed by these craftsmen in Chhattisgarh.