The Handicrafts Of Chhattisgarh

Handicrafts in Chhattisgarh, also known as Chattisgarh crafts, are well-known for their complex work. On November 1, 2000, the state of Chattisgarh was carved out of the state of Madhya Pradesh. The state is divided into sixteen attractive districts, each of which is rich in natural resources. The state’s lush soil produces a variety of products, including timber, spices, honey, wax, and tamarind, as well as copper ore, limestone, coal, and phosphate. However, the state is also well-known for producing some of the finest handicrafts.

Handicraft in Chhattisgarh-

Chhattisgarh’s inhabitants make the best possible use of their natural resources. Traditional bamboo and woodcraft products are well-known throughout the state. In Chattisgarh, traditional kinds of painting such as Fork Art Painting and Pithora Painting are popular. These paintings are stunning and produced with natural colours. Traditional folk decorations made of beads are worn by Chhattisgarh tribal men and women, which appears to be pretty interesting. In Chattisgarh, bamboo work, woodcarving, fork art paintings, and folk jewellery are the most popular forms of handicrafts.

Different kinds of handicrafts in Chhattisgarh-

1- Bastar iron craft (Lohshilp)

Wrought iron craft, also known as lohshilp, is one of the most unique and ancient craft forms in the Bastar region. Despite its simplicity, it has an appealing look. 

The ironsmith (Lohar) community, which used to create equipment or iron implements for farming and hunting, gave birth to the Bastar Iron Craft art. The key tools that are used are as follows: Dukhan Sar (furnace), Muthli (hammer), Chimtas (forceps), Sandasis (tongs), and Chennai are the major tools utilised (chisels).

2- Wooden craft

The Bastar tribal wooden crafts are the most well-known, elegant, and unique form of wood carving. Chattisgarh’s handicraft Idols, wall panels, and furniture items, for example, are among the offerings. Deewan (Cot with Box) is very popular and appealing because it incorporates the art of carving with many images of Bastar culture and other interesting designs. The best teak, sheshum, sagon, and shivna woods are used to create these wooden crafts.

3- Dhokra

The disappearing wax process is used to physically cast bell metal (brass and bronze) into Dhokra crafts. Items such as embellished animals and tribal figurines of various sizes are among the handicrafts available. The art of manufacturing moulds is as old as the craft itself. Wax strings are used for all of the decorations.4-Sisal Fibre: Sisal leaves can be found in abundance throughout the state. They’re treated to create a natural white fibre that’s pleasant to the touch yet has incredible tensile strength.

5- Cowrie Craft: This is the name for shell craft in the area. Many goods, such as bags, shirts, and headgear, are decorated with shells.

6-Stone Carving: This is done to create deities that can be worshipped. The most common material used to carve and shape idols is soapstone.

7-Cotton fabrics–

Cotton fabrics are one of the tribals of Bastar’s most well-known and appealing handicrafts. These are handwoven and hand-printed by tribes who trace their heritage to the 14th-century weaver-saint-poet Kabir using Kosa thread, which is created from a type of worm.

8-Godna 

God is a revolutionary art form that is currently practised by a small group of women in the Jangala district of Chhattisgarh. On textiles, women paint traditional tattoo motifs. They use natural colours gathered from the forest with acrylic paint to create a more consistent pattern on textiles.

9-Tumba

Tumba is a lesser-known craft that started with the widespread use of hollow gourd shells in the Bastar region. Tribes use them to store water and Salafi, which is where the inspiration for this art came from.

10-Terracotta

Terracotta has found a place in the handicrafts of Chhattisgarh, as it has in many other states. Terracotta pottery portrays the state’s tribal life’s rites and customs, as well as their feelings.

11-Bamboo Works Of Art

Bamboo thickets are common in the state, and tribals from Chhattisgarh have put their skills to good use. The craftsmanship of the tribals of Chhattisgarh may be observed in the various bamboo crafts they manufacture. These craftspeople create items for both practical and ornamental purposes. Agricultural implements, fishing traps, hunting tools, and baskets are just a few of the well-known Bamboo products.

12-Ornaments

Gold, silver, bronze, and mixed metal jewellery are all available in Chhattisgarh. Tribal outfits include beaded, cowrie, and feather ornamentation. Traditional tribal decorations are worn by both men and women.

13- Wall painting-

The State’s traditional wall murals are linked to ceremonies. Colours are painted on the floors and walls, and the depictions are virtually always linked to some rite. Pithora paintings are a popular style of traditional art. These paintings portrayed the offering to gods and originated in the tribal territory of Central India, which is now Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Conclusion-

Chattisgarh’s handicraft is intertwined with the state’s economy. They are in charge of the state’s revenue and overall economy since they provide self-employment chances to Chhattisgarh’s poor and tribal people. It also draws tourists from all around the world, not just from India. The handicrafts of a certain town, area, or region portray an accurate picture of the region’s people, culture, and festivals.