Orissa'
is famous for her handicrafts which exhibit
the skill and creativity of her artisans.
Her brass work, silver work, terracotta art
objects, and applique work are unique examples
of artistic excellence.
Applique
Work : 'Applique', which is a French
term, is a technique by which the decorative
effect is obtained by superposing patches
of coloured fabrics on a basic fabric, the
edges of the patches being sewn in some form
of stitchery. Though the form is not unknown
in other parts of India, it is Orissa and
specially in Pipli that the craft has a living
and active tradition continuing over centuries.
Brass
& Bell Metal : The fine engravings
on brass and bellmetal utensils, bronze bangles
and pots are important aspects of Orissan
art. Artefacts made of metal, particolarly
brass, find pride of place in the homes of
Orissa. Beautiful lamps and lamp-stands are
used during the worship of deities.
Silver
Filigree : Silverware of Orissa 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.
Stone
Carving : Stone carving is a very
major handicraft of Orissa. As is evident
from the innumerable archaeological monuments,
rock-cut sculptures, caves and temples built
for centuries and embellished with most beautiful
and intricately carved statue and other adornments,
the art of carving in stone had reached in
Orissa dizzy heights,
Horn
Work : Horn articles of Orissa are
mystical and are blended with a superb fashion
design. Their lively appearance, dynamism
and animation vie with the real objects of
nature - that spells the names of Parlakhemundi
and Cuttack. There are artisans in Orissa
who are dexterous in providing articles of
daily use like combs, flower vases and pen-stands
out of the horn of cattle.
Lacquer
Work : The work is executied in delightgul
folk designs, and form an important part of
a girls' trousseau in Orissa. Among other
beauties of this crafts are the bangles, necklaces
and toys, all of them distinctive and hence
in great demand by the cognoscenti. Bamboo
boxes are lacquered in various colours and
shades.
Papier
Mache : This skill has been creatively
practised by craftspersons from all over Orissa.
Paper, waste cloth and different kinds of
natural fibres are soaked and beaten into
pulp, then mixed with a variety of seeds and
gums for strength and as protection from termites.
