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Orissa on view

An array of handicrafts from Orissa beckon attention

PHOTO: T. SINGARAVELOU

TRADITIONAL CRAFTS On show at an exhibition at S. S. Thirumana Nilayam

If there is something you can learn from the Sithilya tribal community of Orissa that makes dokra castings, then it is the equal distribution of labour among men and women. They make dolls, tortoise shell paperweights, decorative pieces, lamps, flower vases and door handles from metal, using an ancient technique. The men make clay moulds and the women cover the shapes with melted wax, made into a thin rope. Then the men melt metal and pour it into the moulds that have been created. The women help make the fire for melting the metal.

"This is an age-old tradition. Earlier, the tribals used beeswax instead of candle wax. They made images of elephants and Goddess Lakshmi for Lakshmi puja.

The puja is performed every Thursday of the month of Maga and it is called Manabasa festival. The tribals would sell their ware during this festival. Apart from the Lakshmi idol, they used to make a small container and a box to keep valuables. But with the passage of time and intervention from the Development Commissioner of Handicrafts, they now make different things," says B. B. Jethy, director of Adventure, an NGO that works for the socio economic development of artisans in Orissa.

These tribals supplement their income by working as agricultural labourers.

Dolls and other articles are on display at the S. S. Thirumana Nilayam on S. V. Patel Salai till January 12. K. Lakshminarayanan, MLA, who inaugurated the exhibition appreciated the work of the craftspersons and said that governments should ensure such arts are preserved.

The other handicrafts on show include laundry bags, dustbins, mats and pen stands made of Sabai grass. You can also check out the baskets, holders and caps made from golden grass and date palm leaf, appliqué and stitch work, Tussar silk painting, Sambalpuri saris, palm leaf engravings and coir toys.

From Nimampoda, which is 12 km from Konarak, have come the "Kendhumundi" or green stone statues of Ganesh, Krishna and Radha. Traditionally these stone carvings were made only by the menfolk of the Moharna community but now people from other communities too make them. "Since we don't have enough marketing opportunities in Orissa, many of these craftspersons are going to Rajasthan to work in white marble that is available there. These are traditional craftsmen, whose forefathers have sculpted many of the beautiful temples in Orissa," added Mr. Jethy.

DEEPA H. RAMAKRISHNAN

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