Bamboo Crafts Of Odisha: Better Known As Green Gold Crafts
There are varieties of craft items woven using bamboo as the chief raw material. As a matter of fact, “Bamboo Crafts” is universally practiced at varied regions allover Odisha because of its widespread availability throughout the length and breadth of the state . Odishan artisans use bamboo to weave beautiful utility articles like mat, chairs & tables, containers, handheld wind chimes, toys, bamboo fabrics, bowls & boxes … and many more things.
Keeping in view the vibrant tradition of making bamboo crafts in different nooks and corners of Odisha, there lies a need for a bamboo industry in Odisha. The bamboo industry will unfurl more employment opportunities for the people and will bring economic stability. Earlier, bamboo was called a tree of gold, but now it is better known as ‘Green Gold’. To create employment for the people through bamboo, three proposals have been submitted by the Odisha government to the Government of India under the National Bamboo Mission of Rs 32 crore. A conclave will also be held to improve the skills of bamboo farmers in Odisha and additional training will be provided. Steps will also be taken to increase the bamboo forest in the coming days. Climate-friendly places like Rayagada, Badamba in Cuttack, Narsinghpur, Similipal, Malkangiri etc. will be given first preference to go for widespread bamboo plantation….You may have a glance on the different kinds of bamboo made objects in the following video.
Odisha’s bamboo crafts are a vibrant tradition featuring functional items (baskets, mats, furniture, kitchenware) and decorative art (figurines, wall hangings) from areas like Mayurbhanj, Ganjam, and Koraput, known for their unique weaving, carving, and lacquer work (Kakudia) that transform eco-friendly bamboo into culturally rich products, supporting local artisans.
Image:Dr Manoj Mishra
Key Characteristics:
- Sustainability: Artisans use locally sourced, sustainable bamboo, reducing plastic reliance.
- Versatility: Crafts range from simple daily-use items to elaborate decorative pieces and furniture.
- Skillful Techniques: Involves intricate weaving, carving, shaping, and sometimes lacquer application.
Types of Products:
- Household Items: Baskets (dala, bag etc), mats (patti), brooms, trays, stools, chairs, water bottles, and kitchenware.
- Decorative Items: Figurines (animals, deities, village life), wall hangings, candle stands, and screens.
- Accessories: Jewellery (earrings, pendants) and traditional hats.
- Musical Instruments: Flutes and percussion instruments.
Key Crafting Centers:
- Ganjam, Paralakhemundi, Lachhipur: Known for basketry and general bamboo work.
- Mayurbhanj: Famous for diverse handicrafts, including figurines and accessories.
- Koraput (especially Navrangpur): Renowned for unique lacquered bamboo crafts, where colored lacquer threads form intricate patterns.
- Angul (Kakudia): Known for decorative bamboo crafts with fine designs.
- Harinapali, Baleswar (Kuldiha), Nayagarh: Other important production hubs.
Artisans:
- Often from communities like the Mahali, who expertly weave baskets, involving both men and women.
- Skills are passed down through generations, preserving cultural heritage.
Conclusion:
In the recent past, the Odisha state government has launched a dedicated website for sale of bamboo crafts made by our artisans. The site is www.odishabamboo-haat.com.The vast potential of bamboo for rural prosperity and as a renewable resource is being highly appreciated. Technical sessions may be organised by both government agencies and private bodies as well to focus on government policies, cutting-edge bamboo technologies and strengthening the supply chain.
Dr Manoj Mishra, lunarsecstasy@gmail.com
