Dokra |
 
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Nomadic tribes who roam the earth
restlessly – what permanence do they leave us with, as a mark of their passage ? The
Dokra or Dhokra group of tribal craftsmen who range through the landscapes of Bengal,
Orissa, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh – give us a timeless heritage of
beautifully shaped and ornamented products of cast metals. The Bikna group of Dokra
artisans of Bankura and the Dariapur group of Burdwan, were rehabilitated in the sixties.
There are similar concentrations at Kharagpur in Midnapore and Malda. What makes Dokra
metal casting priceless is that if uses the lost wax process or ‘Cire Perdue’ to
cast brass, bronze, or any of the noble metals, Molten metal replaces wax in the
traditional hollow casting method. A method perfected in India long before the advent of
the Aryans.
Hill Crafts |
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High up in the hills,
close to the mystic Himalayas, lies the "abode of lightning", Dorje-ling or
Darjeeling, queen of hill stations. A land whose scenic beauty is only rivaled by its
wealth of culture, of art and craft treasures that are different from any other in the
land. Painted ‘tankas’, colourful woven and knitted aprons and garments, copper
and brass ware of fascinating variety with beautiful repousse work on them, intricately
carved wooden trays and low tables (Tokchi). And incredibly imaginative range of carved
wooden masks, decorative bamboo with lacquer works, charming hill jewelery, pathwork
create such magic in baskets, fruit baskets, flower-pot holders, and paintings of
Kalimpong, carpets and rugs, wooden partitions, all the work of Bhutia and Nepalese other
forest based items, craftsmen, upholders of centuries old tradition. More than 6,000
families keep this craft vibrant in the hill areas of Bengal.
Horn Work |
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The early pages of Indian
civilization are full of descriptions of ‘horn combs’ which adorned the tresses
of women in ancient times. In shining black and translucent shades of greys, Bengal horn
work is still a fascinating craft.
Jute Products |
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Jute, the ‘golden
fibre’ has traditionally been woven and knotted and braided by women of Bengal, often
for domestic storage. Jute as a fabric was much popular in ancient times. Today Bengal is
not only a major producer of jute goods ranging from pllush jute-blended carpets, to
decorative tapestries, garden pot hangings, decorative hand bags, bedspreads and more.
In 50 villages of the Kaliaganj area in
West Dinajpur, the process of colouring, weaving of jute on single looms goes on, as the
world outside turns once again to this wonderful natural fibre.
Masks & Puppets |
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Once upon a time, priests
masqueraded as gods, demons or spirits. Sorcerers and wizards wove their spells. Today
they are more popular as items of interior decoration.
In Bengal, masks used by the Chhou
dancers of Purulia and those who perform the Gambhira dances of Malda, actually represent
the theatrical tradition. While the masks used in Devil Dances and other socio-religious
festivals of Darjeeling and Tibet, are colourful relics of priesthood.
Papier Mache |
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Papier mache is not a craft traditional to
this state. The Santiniketan school of artists did some pioneering work in introducing
this craft in West Bengal. Today quite a number of craftsmen in and around Kolkata have
taken up the craft and their products mainly dolls and masks, have found a market for
their beauty in designs and excellence in craftsmanship.
Sandalwood Carving |
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Once upon a time, elephant
tusks were carved into great and tiny delicate pieces of art by master craftsmen of Khagra
and Jiaganj in Murshidabad district. But then the elephant population stood threatened,
ecological disaster became imminent and so a ban came upon ivory. But that did not stop
the wizardry of the craftsmen. Their deft fingers found the aromatic, oily sandalwood as
an ideal substitute. And so those legendary ivory creations grew in sandalwood.
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