Arts & Crafts of Odisha

From time immemorial, Odisha has been known for its vibrantly diverse arts and crafts, which carry the magnetic appeal of the State’s rich cultural heritage that promises exclusivity, beauty, dignity and style. The multiple art and craft styles of the State are also liked by the people for its aesthetic value, and the signature touches which the State’s craftsmen add to each of the pieces. Let’s peep into the world of Odisha’s unique arts and crafts side, lovingly preserved by artisanal craftsmen and passed on from generation to generation.

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Arts & Crafts in Odisha

Silver Filigree

Also popularly known as Tarakasi, Cuttack City is known for its marvellous silver filigree designs, work and craftsmanship, which is more than 500 years old. Presented in various forms, you can always take back any of the silver filigree items from Cuttack, as a memento or a gift. Take a walk in the old lanes of this Millennium City and embrace the magic of silver work like never before!

Sand Art

Sand art in Odisha is truly legendary, taking the name and fame of the State in the global forums. Sometimes when you stroll in the Puri beach, you may get lucky to spot a uniquely beautiful sand art. If you wish to explore more of this art-form, you can even visit the Sand Art Institute, run by the master sand-artist Sudarsan Pattnaik himself, and also be a part of the International Sand Art Festival.

Pattachitra

One of the oldest and popular art-forms of Odisha, Pattachitra is a thousand year old art tradition, still alive vibrantly in every family of the Raghurajpur village, which is also the Centre to learn, explore and buy this art. The intricate details and mythological reflections in each of the cloth pieces, is what makes this art even more majestic. Over the years, Pattachitra has also gone through a commendable transition, being painted on modern decorative pieces, wall-hangings and even garments.

Talapatra

Another sacred ar-formt of Odisha, Talapatra or palm leaf paintings are drawings and depictions crafted on the palm leaves, holding wonderful stories depicted by artists of Odisha, including the Ramayana and Mahabharata as well as folklores of Gods and Goddesses. No chemicals are used in this art, and it is most prevalent in Puri and Raghurajpur.

Pipli Applique Works

Coming from the town of Pipli, this traditional appliqué art-form is an age-old art which is widely revered in the State and also appeals to the attention of tourists. The appliqué work is crafted on a lot of commemorative items including banners, lamp shades, umbrellas, pouches and various other souvenirs. Enriched with history and diffused into modernity, this art-form is truly timeless.

Pottery & Terracotta

Crafted beautifully by the tribal artisans and prevalent in other parts of the State as well, pottery and terracotta items available here date back to 4th Century BC. Special clay is used by the craftsmen to create products such as plates, roof tiles, tea cups, jars and many others.

Wood Crafts

Famous in the Puri town, Odisha has a rich tradition of the woodwork, which date back to the Kalingan era. It’s spectacular to sight the craftsmen at work giving life to the wood, and creating unique shapes out of it. Especially the villages of Kandapara and Daspalla, and some parts of Cuttack too are famous for wooden handicrafts.

Handicrafts & Handloom

One of the richest and most ethnic ways of expression, the handicrafts as well as handloom of Odisha is exquisite. Presenting their awe inspiring master pieces to the world, you can take back varieties of handloom products, inspired from different parts of the State like Sambalpur, Koraput, Olasingha Village and many others, to cherish forever. To know more about the handloom & handicrafts history of Odisha, you can even visit the Odisha Crafts Museum – Kala Bhoomi.

Dhokra

Also known as the living bronze age craft of Odisha, Dhokra casting is essentially a folk-art, a unique bell metal or tribal craft which combines metallurgical skills with wax technique to create things of distinctive beauty, still practiced in different parts of Odisha including Dhenkanal.

Stone Carvings

This ancient practice of sculpting stone into art and utilitarian objects is another popular art-form which are used for creating a variety of products such as utilitarian items, candle stands, pen stands, paperweights, bookends, lamp bases and stoneware utensils and even mythological figures.

Papier Mache

Thriving as mukha chitra in the rural heartland of Odisha, and making its way into museums, festivals, homes and traditional celebrations, the Papier-mache art form has been prevalent here since generations unknown, and can be widely spotted at Raghurajpur and Puri.

Tassar Patta

Imagine exotic paintings and magnificent designs on silk, spinning religious and mythological tales. That’s the Tassar Patta art-form, which displays the culture beautifully and woven by Odisha’s weavers with much adoration. The best of this can be spotted in Raghurajpur.

Coir Crafts

One of the greatest contributions to the arts and crafts of the State and the country at large has been the age-old Coir Crafts. Used for making a wide range of eco-friendly toys, wall hanging, key rings, Christmas hangings, pen stands and other decorative items as well, you can take back beautiful coir craft items as mementos for your friends and family.

Santhal & Saora Paintings

Have their origin in the mud walls of aboriginal Lanjia Saora tribal homes in Odisha, these paintings look delightful, and are widely admired for their artistic excellence. Each of the paintings has a rectangular frame, and features icons of deities, or those drawn from nature.