Clay & Terracotta of Chhattisgarh
Votive terracotta figures are found widely in the districts of Bastar, Jhabua, Sarguja, Raigarh, and Mandla in Chattisgarh. Clay icons are placed on the borders of villages to ward off evil spirits, to appease and propitiate unseen forces, and also to seek their blessings for a trouble-free and happy life. Icons of Matri Devi or the Mother Goddess, known as Mai among tribals, are installed and propitiated to guard villagers from plague, fever, and epidemics. The idols have various names, linked to the name of the village: Khanda Mai, Banjarin Mai, Kankalin Mai, and Chechak Mai.
Dhokra Metal Casting of Chhattisgarh
Ghadwas are the crafts persons involved in casting bronze casting articles. These craftspersons are scattered all over the region. Jharas of Raigarh, Malars of Sarguja, Swarnakaras of Tikamgarh are the other tribals engaged in this art.
Dolls & Toys of Chhattisgarh
The Women folk of Chhatisgarh craft doll toys which are generally hollow and does not involve use of any tools. Whistle toys resembling the period of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, are very popular amongst the locals and tourists. Figures of birds, animals, dogs, deer, etc are specially designed for the children and have a wheel as a attachment to these toys.
Source: http://www.craftandartisans.com/dolls-toys-of-chhattisgarh.html
Contributed by: CEE Central
Iron Craft of Chhattisgarh
The ironsmiths or lohars of Kondagaon village in Bastar, Chattisgarh, have been engaged in iron craft for generations together and indulge in making of farm implements, lamps and other household objects. The furnace comprises of three parts namely jatar or bhathi (bellows), chulha (mouth of the furnace) and pathar, a big stone slab embedded inside the floor, on which the red-hot iron bit is hammered.
Kosa products of Chattisgarh
Chattisgarh is known for "Kosa silk" and "lost wax art". Besides saris and salwar suits, the fabric is used to create lehengas, stoles, shawls and menswear including jackets, shirts, achkans and sherwanis in lost wax metal, International Sculptor Sushil Sakhuja's Dhokra Nandi is famous and available at SHABARI handicrafts emporium of Chattisgarh Handicraft Development Board in Raipur.
Website:www.cghandicraft.com
Contributed by: CEE Central
Stone Carving of Chhattisgarh
The pink and white stone available in Bastar, Chattisgarh called sudapaal is soft and easily carved. Large tool called basulas are used for cutting the stone. Pataasis or chisels of various shapes and sizes are used for finer carvings.
Wood Carving of Chattisgarh
Traditional wood carving in Chhattisgarh is an ancient craft, the skills of which are passed on from generation to generation. The craftsmen are rich in experience and make products like fixtures of houses, pillars, bows and arrows, Mata Jhulas, farm implements and ritual items. Life size figures of animals, birds, gods, goddesses and humans are made in Raigarh and Sarguja.
Wooden Comb & Hair Ornaments of Chattisgarh
Before plastic was introduced in India, combs were made of wood, bamboo, metal, bone, and ivory. Whether simple in design or an intricate work of art, comb-making was a hereditary craft. Now the craft product is viewed as an object of curiosity and decorative value rather than as an object of everyday use. The share of the market controlled by wooden comb-makers has dwindled and they are now focusing on crafting hair ornaments and pins, along with intricately carved spoons, ladles, and other items of cutlery.