This tiny state in the south western Indian coast is also a home to varying handicrafts.It can be said that art virtually
runs in Goa's blood, which is manifested,
in many artistic crafts that have attained
commercial proportions. They make excellent
souvenirs for tourists. Goan handicrafts
include creative pottery, shell work, furniture,
brass work, bamboo work, papier mache, etc.
These items are crafted by professional
artisans in their ethnic ambience, and also
by artisans working for the government sponsored
crafts workshops. They are sold through
various handicraft emporia and all major
tourist spots.
The art and craft of Goa is the product
of the aesthetic blend of Portuguese and
Indian cultures. The crafts of the state
are intricately beautiful, capturing the
fancies of tourists and locals alike. These
crafts can be at best described as a mirror
of Goa's perennial glory and beauty and
they have carved a niche for themselves
by winning critical acclaim of the connoisseurs
of the art world. The major art forms of
the state include bamboo craft, woodcarving,
brass metals, seashell craft, papier-mache,
and wooden lacquer ware. Other important
crafts of the state include jute macrame,
fabric collage, plaster of Paris, crochet
and embroidery, fiber and batik prints,
fiber stone carving, coconut shell carving,
metal embossing, silver and imitation jewelry,
cotton dolls, soft toys, woolen tapestry,
and artistic weaving.
Pottery & Terracotta
These are traditional crafts with utility-cum-decorative
items produced by the potters with artistic
perfection and realistic finish. The items
produced include flower garden pots, bowls
with floral designs, figures of saints,
Gods' and Goddesses' and animals, ashtrays
and pen holders. etc.
Brass metal ware
While utensils of utility are made of sheet
metal (copper), brass metal casting is a
craft passed on from one generation to another
practiced on hereditary basis. The items
produced include oil lamps in various designs,
candle stands, temple towers, church bells,
ashtrays, etc.
Wooden laquerware / Wood turning
The items produced are cradles, baby carts,
toys, corner stands, etc.
Brass metal ware
While utensils of utility are made of sheet
metal (copper), brass metal casting is a
craft passed on from one generation to another
practiced on hereditary basis. The items
produced include oil lamps in various designs,
candle stands, temple towers, church bells,
ashtrays, etc.
Crochet & EmbroideryWorks such as tablecloths, children and
ladies garments, pillow and cushion covers,
linen, etc.
Bamboo Craft
Such as flower baskets, mats, and letter-holders,
pen stands, fans and other decorative items
Fiber Craft
Shopping bags, ladies purses, coasters
and wall hangings, etc. made of banana or
sisal fiber. Jute Macrame Craft
Decorative bags, belts, wall hanging, lamp
shades, flower pots, hangers, etc.
Coconut Mask Carving
Done on coconut shells.
Sea Shell Craft
The items produced include ashtrays, lamp
shades, coasters, chandeliers, curtains,
pot hangers, table mats, clocks, mirror
frame, etc. |