Sustainable Living - Craft Documentation & Online Research Archive

Bone Carving ~ Lucknow

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:00:06 +0000

The craft of bone carving, which translates to ‘Haddi pe Naqqashi’, is a centuries-old practice that involves the intricate art of naqqashi (carving) on bone. Bone carving is one of India’s lesser-known yet deeply refined crafts. It is practised in various places in India, including Sambhal, Lucknow, Jodhpur and Barabanki. Primarily made from buffalo bones, the raw material is sourced from slaughterhouses, using bones that are by-product of the meat industry and would otherwise be discarded or buried.

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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.

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Baiga Adivasi Fabric

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 12:50:00 +0000

In the era of science and technology, certain tribal communities find themselves in a technologically primitive, pre-agricultural stage. Their economy is uncomplicated, primarily rooted in forests, rendering them extremely impoverished. Many among them lack literacy, and their population growth remains stagnant. In India, there are 74 such groups recognized as Primitive Tribal Groups (PTG), and the Baiga community is counted among them. In the state of Madhya Pradesh, which hosts a total of 43 tribal groups, three—namely Baiga, Bharia, and Sahariya—are specifically identified as PTG. This acknowledgment highlights their unique socio-economic and cultural context, positioning them distinctively within the broader framework of tribal communities in India. Baigas are widely distributed in Dindori, Mandla, Shahdol, and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh.

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Kharad weaving, Kutch

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 13:05:46 +0000

The durrie, a timeless symbol ingrained in the tapestry of Indian culture, carries with it an 800-year-old legacy of Kharaad / Kharad weaving. This tradition, rooted in the era of ancient palaces, camel herders, and nomadic wanderers, has stood the test of time. The inspiration for this craft can be traced back to the utilitarian accessories of camels and animals, where nomadic communities began adorning their creatures with both functional and artistic purpose. The threads of this ancient tradition weave a story that echoes through centuries, connecting us to a rich heritage that celebrates both craftsmanship and the harmonious coexistence of art and daily life.

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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

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Temple Pottery ~ Puri

info_admin — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 06:59:38 +0000

Earthen pot-making is an age-old practice which stems from the Mesolithic period in India. Over time, the practice has been perfected and today, Puri is home to ancient earthen pot-making which is specially used to cook and serve the temple’s sacred mahaprasad. The potters who serve the lord are but a single element of the great network of belief, duty and devotion.

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Weaving ~ Chendamangalam

info_admin — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 06:51:18 +0000

When you hear the name “Chendamangalam,” the colours of handloom weaving, customs, and culture reverberate in your head. The weaving of Chendamangalam is a well-known craft of Kerala. It is known for weaving the textiles on frame looms and this tradition hasn’t changed since the origin of this craft. It is due to the high degree of excellence in the dexterity of fabrics that Chendamanglam today is recognized not only at a national level but globally.

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Saree Weaving~Paramakudi

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Sat, 05 Feb 2022 11:41:15 +0000

A perfect formal attire having soft 80’s combed cotton, the intricate jacquard thread borders, with unique tie and design in the borders and pall. Moreover, the coarse and rustic 60’s cottons make them a comfortable wear and also provides a good drape. The Paramakudi sarees are weaved by a community known as the Saurashtrians who migrated to the region of Tamil Nadu about 900 years ago. The Puthinam variation has a contemporary touch which gives it a new and modern touch, making it a saree for everyone.

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

Saree Weaving~Manamedu

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Sat, 20 Nov 2021 14:57:07 +0000

The Manamedu sarees have earned their reputation for being durable and gorgeous cotton-zari sarees that imbibe the culture of South India. These sarees have a tremendous amount of cultural significance attached to them. Moreover, the design of these sarees can be seen as simplistic, yet contemporary which makes them the perfect fit for everyone. The elegant stripes done on them, make them stand out and also make the wearer feel graceful and beautiful.

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