Discover The Most Innovative Lau Tumba Crafts Of Odisha”
Lau Tumba crafts are otherwise known as dried bottle gourd crafts. This is a cherished art form of Odisha which embodies the state’s rich cultural heritage and ecological harmony . It reflects the rich traditions and ingenuity of Odishan artisans . Deeply rooted in Odisha’s festivals and rituals, lau tumba items carry symbolic motifs of prosperity and devotion. Artisans particularly from regions like Rayagada, transform dried shells of bottle gourd into exquisite products of utility and for decorative purposes . Efforts of ORMAS and the state department of handloom and handicrafts have revitalised this craft, enhancing livelihood and market reach. Embracing innovation and sustainability, global branding can ensure lau tumba crafts thrive as a timeless symbol of creativity and cultural identity Odia artisans.
Odisha’s Lau Tumba crafts are traditional, eco-friendly works of art made from dried bottle gourds (lau). Tribal communities, particularly the Kondh, transform the gourds into functional items like containers and musical instruments (Ektara), as well as modern decor like lamps, jewellery, and wall hangings, which represent resourcefulness and sustainable living. These are predominantly found plentily in the tribal areas of Odisha, including Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, and Rayagada districts. Earlier the tribals of these areas were making containers out of dry bottle gourds( better known as Lau Tumba in our localities). Other important uses of dry bottle gourds are for drinking country made liquor and for making their traditional music instruments ( photo appended).
But now a days, artists are purchasing these dry bottle gourds from the tribals, washing perfectly and after thoroughly drying and scrubbing using sandpapers, making great arts and home decors ..
What is Lau Tumba ?
- Lau (Bottle Gourd): The hard, dried shell of the bottle gourd is the primary material.
- Tumba (Container): This is the tribal name for the dried gourd used as a vessel for water, food, or seeds.
Traditional Uses:
- Utilitarian Items: Water pitchers, storage for grains, food containers (like mandia jau or millet broth) and liquor (Sago palm juice or tadi).
- Musical Instruments: The Ektara, a one-stringed instrument, is crafted from tumba.
- Curative: The gourd’s pulp and peels were traditionally used for gastric issues or healing cuts.
Modern Adaptations
- Home Decor: Artists now create lamps, bowls, wall hangings, dolls, and animal figures.
- Jewellery: Intricate necklaces and other adornments are made from carved gourds.
- Global Reach: Designs have evolved, gaining popularity in international markets, thanks to promotion by artists like Himanshu Sekhar Pandia.
Key Features
- Sustainability: Uses a naturally available resource, with no part of the plant wasted (pulp for nourishment, shell for art).
- Eco-Friendly: Offers an alternative to plastic.
- Artistic Expression: Combines traditional folklore with modern design, reflecting cultural memory and ecological consciousness.
You can have a comparative glance over the two pictures of me holding bottle gourds (having a gap of at least 15 years) posted above. The bottle gourd becomes ready for craft making after a gap of more than 15 or 20 years. The older it gets the lighter it becomes and becomes ready for a perfect Lau tumba ( bottle gourd) craft. You can go through several other unique handicrafts of Odisha through the following links.
I hope…the government of Odisha would definitely like to extend its helping hand to promote this craft globally in the years to come. These lau tumba crafts will definitely prove beneficial to artisans, local tribals and rural entrepreneurs as well in future. We normal people having little artistic bent of mind can think of purchasing at least one of these crafts to contribute our share .
Dr Manoj Mishra, lunarsecstasy@gmail.com.
