collective Memory - Craft Documentation & Online Research Archive

Wrought Iron ~Kidai chepda, Kondagaon

info_admin — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 08:12:18 +0000

In Chhattisgarh, the knowledge of iron is as old as civilization itself. The Agariya community, whose name comes from the word Aag meaning fire, has long been the torchbearer of this tradition, extracting iron from ore and shaping it into functional objects like agricultural tools, hunting gear, diyas, and more.
This age-old skill found new meaning when their creations reached urban markets. The raw, rustic aesthetic of their work captivated modern audiences, inspiring artisans and designers to collaborate and experiment. What began as a traditional craft has evolved continuously for over four decades, and the story still forges ahead.

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Dhokra craft ~ Kondagaon

info_admin — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 12:35:22 +0000

This metal-casting tradition has not only been kept alive in Kondagaon, in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, but artisans here have truly taken it to another level. The name Kondagaon may evoke the feeling of a small village, but it is, in fact, a town. Within Kondagaon, the area of Bhelwapadar is where most of the Dhokra artisans work.
As the craft flourished, many people became involved in different stages of the process. Yet, traditionally, it is the Baghels, belonging to the Ghadwa community—who have practised this art across generations. In Kondagaon, most artworks are inspired by elements of nature and tribal life. The socio-cultural narratives that craftsmen see and hear around them are beautifully sculpted using natural mediums, carrying forward both heritage and storytelling.

The post Dhokra craft ~ Kondagaon first appeared on Craft Archive | Research on Indian Handicrafts & Handloom.

Saree weaving ~ Amarchinta

dev team — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 12:10:38 +0000

Saree weaving in Amarchinta has always been a cherished name among Telugu women. It is not just a place, it is a rhythm of life, woven into every field, every loom, and every story told under the shade of an old tamarind tree. Located in Telangana’s Wanaparthy district, Amarchinta may appear quiet on the map, but it resounds deeply in the memories of those who have lived within. Here, craft is not merely an occupation; it is a way of life, passed gently from palm to palm, from elder to child, more as a natural habit than as a proclaimed heritage.

The post Saree weaving ~ Amarchinta first appeared on Craft Archive | Research on Indian Handicrafts & Handloom.

Gollabhama Saree Weaving- Siddipet

dev team — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 06:03:50 +0000

The Siddipet Gollabhama Saree is not just a piece of fabric; it is a living tradition, worn, celebrated, and reinterpreted through generations. Traditionally, these sarees were worn by women across rural Telangana, especially during religious festivals, community gatherings, harvest celebrations, and temple events.

The post Gollabhama Saree Weaving- Siddipet first appeared on Craft Archive | Research on Indian Handicrafts & Handloom.

Bamboo Craft, Balaghat

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Tue, 07 May 2024 10:49:47 +0000

Often referred to as the “poor man’s timber,” bamboo stands out for its multifunctional utility, offering a myriad of uses that cater to various livelihood options. Its affordability, coupled with its versatile nature, makes bamboo a vital resource for the rural population, playing a crucial role in their daily lives and economic pursuits. The plant’s applications range from construction to handicrafts, embodying a sustainable and accessible material that supports diverse aspects of rural livelihoods in the Balaghat region. In villages like Baihar, Singhpur, Niwari, Chiraidongri, Varasioni, and others in the Mandla region, people are involved in making bamboo products.

The post Bamboo Craft, Balaghat first appeared on Craft Archive | Research on Indian Handicrafts & Handloom.

Stone Carving, Bhubaneshwar

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 10:59:09 +0000

In the thriving city of Bhubaneswar, skilled stone carving artisans engage in the meticulous craft of producing iconic religious symbols, luxurious goods, and intricate artworks. Working with stones ranging from hard granite to semi-hard sandstone and softer varieties, these artisans blend tradition with innovation, showcasing the diverse applications of stone carving in religious, functional, and artistic realms.

The post Stone Carving, Bhubaneshwar first appeared on Craft Archive | Research on Indian Handicrafts & Handloom.

Wallnut Wood Carving, Srinagar

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 12:26:14 +0000

Srinagar, in the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir, is known for its crafts. Across the areas of Safa Kadal, Noor Bagh and Fateh Kadal are karkhanas (workshop) famous to crafts such as pashmina, copper carving, embroidery and walnut wood carving. Mostly situated in the by-lanes of downtown Srinagar, it is easy to identify a wood carving karkhana from a distance. The periodic hammering of timber and the strong smell of shaven wood makes it distinct.

The post Wallnut Wood Carving, Srinagar first appeared on Craft Archive | Research on Indian Handicrafts & Handloom.

Bamboo Craft ~ Wayanad

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Sat, 02 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Wayanad, a north-eastern district of Kerala is an integral part of the rural economy in bamboo craft production. It is an increasingly important craft form of this state as it provides part-time employment to many cultivators in the lean season which also helps to generate livelihood for a large number of craftsmen. Bamboo mats, curtains, calendar stands, and jewelry are the most famous products of Wayanad

The post Bamboo Craft ~ Wayanad first appeared on Craft Archive | Research on Indian Handicrafts & Handloom.

Pottery ~ Khavda, Kutch

info_admin — Thu, 18 May 2023 09:54:38 +0000

Pottery is a form of art that shapes and dries clay to form a particular shape for the purpose of daily use, play or decoration. It has existed in India for over 5000 years, since the Mesolithic Age. Every region in the country has a different style of pottery, complete with its distinct designs. One such style is called painted pottery, which has been renamed ‘Khavda pottery’, as a nod to the region it originated from. Khavda pottery artisans still use the same designs passed down from generations and found in Indus valley excavations. The potters from the region are currently fighting to keep their unique handicraft alive.

The post Pottery ~ Khavda, Kutch first appeared on Craft Archive | Research on Indian Handicrafts & Handloom.

Nettur Petti ~ Maradu, Ernakulam

info_admin — Sun, 20 Nov 2022 11:38:51 +0000

Originally the craft form from the northern part of Kerala, Nettur Petti, a jewellery box is an amalgamation of artistic skill which symbolizes Kerala’s culture and architecture. Today, the craft form of making Nettur Petti survives only in some parts of southern Kerala like in Maradu village in Ernakulam district.

The post Nettur Petti ~ Maradu, Ernakulam first appeared on Craft Archive | Research on Indian Handicrafts & Handloom.