Handicrafts are not just pieces of art but also a soulful reflection of our heritage and legacy. Our country is home to innumerable ethnic groups that have their own individual heritage to carry forward.
Among various ethnic groups that inhabit our country, the Odias have carved out a distinct identity which is deeply rooted in our art and craftsmanship. Odisha, known for its rich cultural legacy, is the birthplace of numerous specialised craft and art forms that beautifully reflect the uniqueness of our culture, identity and beliefs. These intricate works of art not only serve as the symbols of Odia asmita but also connect us to our traditions, making them a vital part of our identity and existence.
Today, we bring you a curated list of Odisha’s ethnic handicrafts that have earned the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) recognition, thus reflecting them as symbols of cultural heritage and craftsmanship. These handicrafts are not just pieces of art but they are a source of immense pride for every Odia, representing the region’s rich culture, tradition, and craftsmanship.
Silver Filigree
If you have visited Cuttack, you must be familiar with Cuttack’s popular craft of silver filigree. Locally known as Tarakasi, the craft has gained widespread popularity for its intricacies and unmatched craftsmanship. Since it is widely practiced by the native artisans of the millennium city, the city has earned the tagline of the ‘Silver City’ of Odisha.
The peak of silver filigree craft emerges at its finest during Durga Puja celebrations when the Medhas (tableaux) and intricate jewellerypieces for the idols are deftly crafted by the nimble-fingered artists.
If you plan to go on a shopping spree in Cuttack, you will find several markets selling silver filigree products, such as homedécor items, gifts, utility items and a range of jewellery pieces!
Cuttack’s Silver filigree received its GI status in the year 2021 under the handicraft category.
Pipili Chandua
An ancient craft of Odisha that dates back to the 12th century, Pipili Chandua exudes opulence, artistry, and beauty. One of the craftworks to receive a GI, Pipili Chandua has a major role in bringing Odisha’s legacy into the limelight.
The craft originated in Puri during the 12th century, during the reign of Raja Birakishor. Initially it started as decorated clothes offered to Lord Jagannath. The artists use mirrors, ribbons, cotton cloths, and glass to make attractive and colourful Pipili-Chandua products. Several creative methods of stitching, such as blind stitch and satin stitch are used to craft peacocks, flowers, lotus, Sun, and several other motifs which gives finesse to the final product. During many local festivals, Pipili Chandua chandeliers play a great role in lighting up the occasion.
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Every Odia household has a Pipili-Chandua piece, whether it’s a garden umbrella, a lamp shade, bedcover or a wall décor. The Pipli-Chandua products have a good market in rest of India as well as abroad.
Stone Art:
Odisha is famous for its temples and the beautifully carved stone statues of these temples add immense beauty and meaning to these renowned temples. The carvings on the walls of world famous Konark temple, is simply breathtaking, and is a work of great treasure.
The art of stone carving requires great precision and skills. It is an age-old practice that has been part of the legacy of Odisha for centuries.
The craft has received the GI tag from the Government of India. Stone carvings have also made immense impact as décor and utility items. The stoneware decors elevate the look of your house, making it look tasteful and aesthetic.
Pattachitra
One of the oldest art forms from Odisha, Pattachitra is like a story written as paintings. ‘Patta’ means cloth and chitra means painting. The pattachitra artists make the best use of organic colors and deploy traditional techniques to write various mythologicalstories in an intricate style.
Lord Jagannath is the main inspiration for the artists, as he is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Krishna. Therefore, the artists prefer to paint themes based on the life story of Lord Krishna. Besides, the artists choose a variety of themes, based on Ramayana, Lord Shiva, etc.
Pattachitra earned its GI status in the year 2008.
Saura Art
An art form that depicts the beauty of Odisha’s tribal art, Saura art is an absolute treat for all craft lovers. The Saura tribe has been mentioned in the epics such as Mahabharata. These paintings are characterized by human figures with triangular bodies, oval heads, and stick-like arms. Saura paintings on the whole portray the day-to-day activities of the villages.
It is believed that the language of the Sauras never had a script, therefore painting was one of their ways of communication. When you visit the villages in Odisha, you will see several mud houses decorated with Saura paintings. The paint is extracted from rice, leaves, or white stone. The brushes are made from tender bamboo. An interesting fact about this art is that apart from being displayed on the clay walls, the artwork is now making its way into home decor as well as utility items, such as sarees, notepads, notebooks, etc.Sarees, dress materials and jackets with Saura paintings have become quite popular these days.
The art received a GI tag in January 2024.
As Odias it is our responsibility to ensure that these unique art forms gain the global recognition they deserve. By promoting our traditional crafts, supporting our artisans, and adopting sustainable practices, we can preserve our rich legacy for the future generations.Together, we can ensure that our cultural heritage thrives forever and becomes popular internationally.
Handicrafts are not just pieces of art but also a soulful reflection of our heritage and legacy. Our country is home to innumerable ethnic groups that have their own individual heritage to carry forward.
Among various ethnic groups that inhabit our country, the Odias have carved out a distinct identity which is deeply rooted in our art and craftsmanship. Odisha, known for its rich cultural legacy, is the birthplace of numerous specialised craft and art forms that beautifully reflect the uniqueness of our culture, identity and beliefs. These intricate works of art not only serve as the symbols of Odia asmita but also connect us to our traditions, making them a vital part of our identity and existence.
Today, we bring you a curated list of Odisha’s ethnic handicrafts that have earned the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) recognition, thus reflecting them as symbols of cultural heritage and craftsmanship. These handicrafts are not just pieces of art but they are a source of immense pride for every Odia, representing the region’s rich culture, tradition, and craftsmanship.
Silver Filigree
If you have visited Cuttack, you must be familiar with Cuttack’s popular craft of silver filigree. Locally known as Tarakasi, the craft has gained widespread popularity for its intricacies and unmatched craftsmanship. Since it is widely practiced by the native artisans of the millennium city, the city has earned the tagline of the ‘Silver City’ of Odisha.
The peak of silver filigree craft emerges at its finest during Durga Puja celebrations when the Medhas (tableaux) and intricate jewellerypieces for the idols are deftly crafted by the nimble-fingered artists.
If you plan to go on a shopping spree in Cuttack, you will find several markets selling silver filigree products, such as homedécor items, gifts, utility items and a range of jewellery pieces!
Cuttack’s Silver filigree received its GI status in the year 2021 under the handicraft category.
Pipili Chandua
An ancient craft of Odisha that dates back to the 12th century, Pipili Chandua exudes opulence, artistry, and beauty. One of the craftworks to receive a GI, Pipili Chandua has a major role in bringing Odisha’s legacy into the limelight.
The craft originated in Puri during the 12th century, during the reign of Raja Birakishor. Initially it started as decorated clothes offered to Lord Jagannath. The artists use mirrors, ribbons, cotton cloths, and glass to make attractive and colourful Pipili-Chandua products. Several creative methods of stitching, such as blind stitch and satin stitch are used to craft peacocks, flowers, lotus, Sun, and several other motifs which gives finesse to the final product. During many local festivals, Pipili Chandua chandeliers play a great role in lighting up the occasion.
.
Every Odia household has a Pipili-Chandua piece, whether it’s a garden umbrella, a lamp shade, bedcover or a wall décor. The Pipli-Chandua products have a good market in rest of India as well as abroad.
Stone Art:
Odisha is famous for its temples and the beautifully carved stone statues of these temples add immense beauty and meaning to these renowned temples. The carvings on the walls of world famous Konark temple, is simply breathtaking, and is a work of great treasure.
The art of stone carving requires great precision and skills. It is an age-old practice that has been part of the legacy of Odisha for centuries.
The craft has received the GI tag from the Government of India. Stone carvings have also made immense impact as décor and utility items. The stoneware decors elevate the look of your house, making it look tasteful and aesthetic.
Pattachitra
One of the oldest art forms from Odisha, Pattachitra is like a story written as paintings. ‘Patta’ means cloth and chitra means painting. The pattachitra artists make the best use of organic colors and deploy traditional techniques to write various mythologicalstories in an intricate style.
Lord Jagannath is the main inspiration for the artists, as he is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Krishna. Therefore, the artists prefer to paint themes based on the life story of Lord Krishna. Besides, the artists choose a variety of themes, based on Ramayana, Lord Shiva, etc.
Pattachitra earned its GI status in the year 2008.
Saura Art
An art form that depicts the beauty of Odisha’s tribal art, Saura art is an absolute treat for all craft lovers. The Saura tribe has been mentioned in the epics such as Mahabharata. These paintings are characterized by human figures with triangular bodies, oval heads, and stick-like arms. Saura paintings on the whole portray the day-to-day activities of the villages.
It is believed that the language of the Sauras never had a script, therefore painting was one of their ways of communication. When you visit the villages in Odisha, you will see several mud houses decorated with Saura paintings. The paint is extracted from rice, leaves, or white stone. The brushes are made from tender bamboo. An interesting fact about this art is that apart from being displayed on the clay walls, the artwork is now making its way into home decor as well as utility items, such as sarees, notepads, notebooks, etc.Sarees, dress materials and jackets with Saura paintings have become quite popular these days.
The art received a GI tag in January 2024.
As Odias it is our responsibility to ensure that these unique art forms gain the global recognition they deserve. By promoting our traditional crafts, supporting our artisans, and adopting sustainable practices, we can preserve our rich legacy for the future generations.Together, we can ensure that our cultural heritage thrives forever and becomes popular internationally.
