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Showcasing Chhattisgarh people's creativity

Madhur Tankha

NEW DELHI: Nature's exuberance, gaiety and colour have left an indelible mark on Chhattisgarh people's creativity. And now the alluring craft comes closer home as the State Government opens its "Shabari" emporium at Rajiv Gandhi Handicrafts Bhavan here this coming Monday.

The people of Chhattisgarh have learnt to live in harmony with nature. Of the entire population of the State, almost a third are tribals.

Honed and perfected over the generations, almost all the objects of daily use surpass their original functions and are transformed into objects of great aesthetic value. As a result, what has evolved is an indigenous technology that is simple in concept but sophisticated in practice.

The bell metal or Dhokra craft is one of the earliest known methods of metal casting. Today this craft is practised extensively in the areas of Lalitpur, Raigarh, Sarguja and most importantly in Bastar. Cow dung, paddy husk and red soil are also used in the manufacture of Dhokra artefacts.

The traditional lost wax technique is simple and ideal for use in tribal settings. Combining shells with mirrors and fabric, tribals create interesting objects like mats and boxes.

The ivory coloured fibres of "sisal" are obtained from the swaying seeds of the marshes of Bastar district. These fibres are used to make potholders, mats, hammocks, bags and dolls.

Bamboo products and baskets are an essential part of tribal life. The expertise and skills required for producing the terracotta artefacts have been handed down from one generation to another of the Kumhara community.

With the magic of their skilled hands, the potters create exquisite "matkas" (pots), "handiyas" (bowls) and lamps. Ritualistic offerings in the form of animal figures of elephants, horses, bulls and clay masks constitute an integral part of terracotta craft. To meet the modern day requirements, contemporary objects like penholders, lamps and paperweights are also being made.

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