Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya under its popular summer series of ‘Do and Learn’ educational programmes is organising training workshop of Paddy Craft of Orissa from 3rd to 11th May, 2016. The registrations for all ‘Do & Learn’ training workshops are open.
The tribal of Orissa are master craftsmen and specialize in producing spectacular items out of many daily use things. Handicrafts of the un-husked rice are one such thing. For aeons, the tribal have practiced this craft of making chains, figures of deities, animal figures, flowers, garlands and other objects. The entire process demand meticulous attention and minute detailing.
The paddy craft of Orissa is a languish craft which is accomplished in the district of Koraput, Kalahandi, Balasore and Bolangir. The tribes of Gond have taken to agriculture are the chief expert of the craft. Rice is a representation of affluence and so the goddess Lakshmi is prevalent and prepared by the artisans. Other themes include cart, chariot, elephant and other idols and deity. The majority objects crafted have a relationship amid religion.
The products painstakingly pieced together, include images of Goddess Laxmi, elephants, chariots, tribal marriage crowns, images of temples, hand fans and baskets.
Once a flourishing item of craft owing to religious significance, this craft is being practiced by hardly 15 to 20 families today and that too during lean agricultural months. The products are sold mainly at local haths (markets), though some of the artisans have access to urban craft bazaars.

Date: May 2, 2016