Jharkhand is dominated by the tribals and is known for its intricately designed handicraft items. Being rich in flora and fauna, the state has ample natural resources to provide raw materials for indigenous crafts. Most of these crafts originate from the ancient tribal culture as part of their day to day lives. With the wave of modernization, these crafts have evolved in style and design moving from daily utility items to source of livelihood for the tribal population of Jharkhand.
Types of Crafts of Jharkhand
The various crafts of Jharkhand include bamboo crafts, wood crafts, Paitkar paintings, tribal ornaments and stone carving. Being rich in forest and wood, Jharkhand produces some good craftwork from wood and related materials. Paitkar paintings and stone carving are other crafts that interest people across the country. Excavations by the Archaeological survey of India have revealed many antiquities dating back to the Chalcolithic period. Various tribes have enriched the craft forms by bringing in their cultural uniqueness.
Wood craft
With abundant forests, Jharkhand produces wood crafts which are decorative items as well as used in daily lives. The range consists of door panels, boxes, windows, wooden spoons etc. Toy making is another big industry that uses wood especially for making human figures. Wood crafts of Jharkhand also include a wide collection of aesthetically carved decorative items. Wood craft is mostly concentrated in the hilly areas of the state.
Cane and Bamboo Craft
Jharkhand is a natural reservoir of Bamboo and cane. Since ancient period, the bamboo is being used to make day to day products like baskets, vase, tokri and other handicrafts. Bamboos are also used in making tools like hunting equipments and fishing gears. The craft has evolved with time giving way to modern furniture and even incense sticks made of bamboo and cane. Cane furniture in mostly popular in the Hazaribagh district of the state and is also exported abroad.
Paitkar Painting
One of the oldest tribal paintings in India is the Paitkar paintings, which are also called scroll paintings. The paintings are done by tribal women using natural ingredients such as different shades of clay and charcoal. Earlier, tribal women used Miswak (datuns) to paint the walls of their house with this traditional art, but now they are also using paint brush. The tribal artists in Jharkhand have fostered this art of scroll painting that has long been used in storytelling performances and in socio-religious customs.
Metal Craf
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The Malhar and Tentri communities of Jharkhand are expert in the metal crafts and household wares. The primordial handicraft of Dhokra is an art-form handed down through the generations. Dhokra metal art reflects the creativity of life in its varied forms. From the pre-historic period, the Rana and certain communities of Jharkhand have been making the metal visions in bronze and copper.
Jewellery Making
The tribals in Jharkhand are famous for their ornaments, which are also exquisite piece of art. These ornaments are simple but speak volumes of the rich tradition of the region. The tribals make ornaments using gold, silver or beads.
Terracotta craft
Clay craft has found different meaning to the craftsmen of Jharkhand. The range of crafts includes decorative items, toys, and even jewelleries. Terracotta dinner sets and tea sets are a new addition to this diversified craft. These are eco friendly products, which are being developed in the Bundu cluster.
Gonda grass craft
Gonda grass is a special type of grass grown in the dense forests of Jharkhand. These grasses are collected by tribals and seasoned to be used as raw materials for different crafts. Gonda grass is used to make curtains, mats, coasters and file folders.
Papier mache
Masks made of papier mache are made in various colours and they are used in Chhau dance. Animal and bird figures are also made of paper mache.
