Odisha

Odisha is famous for its handicrafts which exhibit the skill and creativity of its
artisans. Its brass work, silver - work, terracotta art objects, and applique work are
unique examples of artistic excellence. And the details of other craftworks in
Odisha are mentioned as below:

1) BRASS & BELL METAL WARE

The fine engravings on brass and bell-metal utensils, bronze bangles and pots are
important aspects of Odishan art. Artefacts made of metal, particularly brass, find
pride of place in the homes of Odisha. Beautiful lamps and lamp-stands are used
during the worship of deities. Rice-measuring bowls made of brass are used in many
homes. The artisans also make elephants and horses from brass and decorate them
with intricate designs. Containers of brass for betel chewers are designed both to be
useful and ornamental. There are household articles and utensils made out of brass
and bell metal and they are of different shapes and sizes. The brassware of Odisha
reveals the high workmanship of the artisans and their flair for innovation.

An important native art coming from the Kansari and Dhokra caste in Odisha, Ball
Metal and Brass Handicraft is a popular folk art which produces various pieces of
household items and decorations items.

2) SILVER WARE AND FILIGREE WORK

Silverware of Odisha is very widely known. Her Filigree works particularly are unique
examples of artistic excellence rarely to be seen in any other part of India. Silver wires,
extremely delicate, are shaped into intricate designs. Forms of animals and birds,
articles of daily use like vermilion receptacles are also made out of silver wires- Filigree
ornaments, especially brooches and earrings are very popular among Indian women.
Cuttack is world famous for Ciligree work. Scenes from the Mahabharat are sometimes
depicted in silver in particular interest is the chariot of Arjuna driven by Lord Krishna
done in silver. One feels amazed is see the skill with which minute details of the chariot
wheels have been worked. The beauty of the chariot, the proud stance of the horses
and the true-to-hi figures, all contribute to the over-all majesty of the silver art effect.

Probably the most unique and finest of all art forms in Odisha is Silver Filigree Work.
This more than 500-year-old art form is practised by local artisans mainly in Cuttack.
Ornaments and decorative items are two main categories of this impressive artwork.

3) TERRACOTTA AND POTTERY

Potters of Odisha still make earthen pots to be used in various religious and social
functions. They are made in various shapes and sizes and are adorned with fish and
flower motifs and geometrical designs. Horses and elephants in terracotta are made to
meet local demands during religious occasions. These are offered to the village-goddess
(grama-devati) to ward off disease and danger. In size they range from six inches to
three feet. The potter also makes clay toys and simple and appealing figures of human
beings. They catch the essential characteristics of real-life creatures. Terracotta toys
are made in every pan of Odisha. The toys are simple in design and bear the traits of
the locality in which they are produced.

4) GOLDEN GRASS AND CANE WORKS

Baskets, hand-fans and table mats are woven from golden grass by the female folk.
Floor-mats are also woven out of golden grass, which is a local product, Today the
demand for these goods has increased and this testifies to their beauty, utility and
lasting quality. Cane is used for weaving baskets and several items of furniture.

5) APPLIQUE WORKS

Tailors at Pipli execute applique works, which are in great demand. Giant-sized
umbrellas of applique work are produced for use on festive occasions. Also used as
garden umbrellas in sprawling lawns, they lend grace and color to any gathering.
Heart-shaped fans, big and small canopies, and wall-hangings are also prepared out of
applique work. The tailors cut out figures of animals, birds, flowers as well as
geometrical shapes out of richly colored cloth and these are arranged symmetrically on
another piece of cloth and sewn in place to produce an eye-catching design. The rich
splashes of yellow, white, green, blue, red and black colors dazzle the eyes of the
onlookers and set the festive mood. Bags of various shapes and sizes are also made
with applique motifs. Applique chairs (umbrellas) and "Tarasa" (heart-shaped wooden
structure covered with applique work and supported on pikes) are used to lend color to
religious processions. Large applique canopies are an integral part of marriage
celebrations. In temples, canopies are hung over the deities to protect them from falling
dirt.

In the village of Pipli, there prevails a traditional art form - Applique Work. It is a
complex form of art where one material is sewed to the other in order to make an
enthralling decorative pattern.

6) HORN WORKS

There are artisans in Odisha who are dexterous in providing articles of daily use like
combs, flower vases and pen-stands out of the horn of cattle. The horn is polished
smooth, and then shaped into various Corms. Cranes, lobsters, scorpions and birds
made of horn are finished to a nicety. Their surface throws off a dark somber sheen
and the catch the attention of all art-lovers.

The most popular art amongst all is Horn Work. A mystical artwork of Odisha, Horn
Work showcases an impressive fashion design. In this art, Horns of Cows and Buffaloes
are used to produce utility products like jewelry, ashtray, and comb.

7) SAREES AND OTHER FABRICS

Perhaps the most popular items in Odisha handicrafts is the handloom saree. The
sarees come in a variety of designs and colors to suit every taste and pocket. Generally,
the villagers in Sambalpur district weave the saree on a loom in the private or corporate
sectors. Sambalpuri cotton sarees have a smooth finish and have a distinctly original
border and pallu. Fish, conch shell and flower motifs are woven into the fabric.
Sometimes animal motifs are also used to decorate the borders and pallu. Silk sans are
also produced by village craftsmen from local raw materials. Khandua Pata saris have
elaborate designs and a gloss which is attractive. Bapta saris have cotton and silk
threads in warp and woof. Berhampori Pata saris are worn by orthodox and modern
women alike. The saris are named after the places where they are produced, the quality
of skeins used and the nature of the designs woven into them. Hand woven bed sheets,
bed covers, table cloths, curtains and dress materials of Odisha are equally popular
throughout the country.

8) STONE & WOOD CARVINGS

Stone carving is an age-old craft of Odisha. The descendants of the artisans who once
scaled the dizzy heights of excellence in temple building have kept the sculptural
tradition alive through their hereditary craft of stone carving. The carved products
include replicas of temples, images of gods and goddesses, the Konark wheel and
horse, and decorative figurines like Alasa Kanya (the indolent damsel) Salabhanjika
(lady leaning against a sal branch), Surasundari (heavenly. beauty), Lekhika (lady
writing a letter), etc. which are popular items of household decoration. Wood carvings
of Odisha are almost equally popular. They differ from the artifacts of other states in so
far as they are plain and shining with smooth polish and without any paint or coating
of lacquer work on them. Apart Odisha has many other items of handicraft such as
paper mache, shola pith work, lacquer work, zari work, glass beads, cloth garlands,
camphor garlands, jute carpets, rush mate, and above all the, sea shell works
undertaken in Puri and Gopalpur.

From very ancient times, the art of stone carving is prevailing in Odisha. It is one of the
oldest forms of Oriya art which is practised in different parts of the state.

9) PATTACHITRA
Believed to be originated in the early 12th-century, Pattachitra is an icon painting
which makes it one of the most popular living art forms in India. People in Odisha can
be seen practising it daily.

10) SAND ART

Odisha excels in creating sculptures from sand. Evidently, Sand Art is one of the
worldly-famous arts that resides here in Puri, Odisha. For the fact, the state also hosts
an International Sand Art Festival.

11) PALM LEAF PAINTINGS

From the days when communication was done through writing, the Palm Leaf Painting
or locally known as Talapatra Chitra is an ancient form of art in Odisha. This is one of
the art forms in the state which are considered sacred.

12) JHOTI CHITA, MURUJA

A traditional Oriya art which is presented on the floor and walls is Jhoti Chita.
Extremely popular in the rural areas, Jhoti is different from line art and involves line
art using a white coloured liquid paste of rice or pithau.

13) PAPIER MACHE

Most of the arts in Odisha have worldwide acclamation and Papier Mache is one of
them. The art is practised in almost every region of the state and involves the use of
waste cloth, natural fibres, and papers.
14) LACQUER WORK
Lacquer Work is one of the famous tribal craft in India which is practised mainly by
women. The impressive folk items like bangles, toys, and necklace are made by using
this technique of art.

15) TEXTILES
Odisha is famous for producing hand-woven textiles produced by skilful handloom
weavers. Being a worldly-famous handicraft, textiles in Odisha produces clothes like
Saree, Dhoti, and dress materials.

Aspirational Districts and their famous Handicrafts:

1) Balangir
Balangir district rich in handicraft products mostly artisan of the district earning 60 –
70 percent of their lively hood out of handicraft products. They have occupied a specific
recognition in handicrafts realm. The following handicrafts products are in existence in
Balangir District which are mentioned below with their location.

o Terracotta – Lakhapali, Malamunda, Baghapali,Bahalbuka, Manahira,

Bubel,,Titilagarh,Naren,Kumbhari.
o Cotton and woolen durry – Chudapali, Chandanbhati, Dhubalpada, Sautnpur
o Applique – Tusura, Loisingha,
o Brass and Bell metal – Bairasar, Dhubalpada, Balangir
o Paddy crafts – Saraibahal, Chulifunka, Saintala(Adibasi pada),
o Tie and Dye – Sarmuhan, Salebhata, Chandanbhati, Sargad, Belpada,
Loisingha, Agalpur
o Soft toys – Balangir
o Wood carving –Lathor, Balangir
o Dhokra casting –Saintala
o Art Textiles – Sarmuhan,, Belpada, Chandanbhati, Kermeli,Gohirapadar
o Art Leather – Loisingha, Balangir, Khuntsamalai, Titilagarh
o Artistic Bamboo – Balangir, Gudvela,. Siker, Badbandh, Bhutiarahal,Gudvela,
Jamut
o Cloth flower – Tusura
o Patta Chitra – Balangir