HANDICRAFTS OF GOA

                                HANDICRAFTS OF GOA

By Shambhavi Parsekar

Goa does not lag behind as far as local arts and crafts are concerned and with the superb craftsmanship of the local artisans has managed to carve out a niche for itself in this highly competitive field. It can be said that artistic talent virtually runs in Goan blood, which is manifested, in many artistic crafts that have attained commercial proportions over the years.
Local artists make excellent souvenirs from a wide range of materials. These items are crafted by professional artisans in their ethnic ambience in the rural areas, and also by artisans working at the arts and crafts complexes run by the government. The products are sold through various handicraft emporia and at stalls at all the major tourist spots. The art and craft of Goa is the product of the aesthetic blend of Portuguese and Indian cultures. The crafts of the state are intricately beautiful, capturing the fancies of tourists and locals alike. These crafts are a mirror of Goa's perennial beauty and they have won critical acclaim of the connoisseurs of the art world. Goan lace is here, as are colorful masks, cotton bags, wooden toys and the excellent shopping bags and table mats woven from sisal or banana, coconut or pineapple fiber. The handicrafts in Goa are of various types and are mostly made with the help of naturally available materials like clay, sea-shells, paper, bamboo, brass coconut husk and palm leaves. In fact the handicraft division in Goa has attained extraordinary proportions mainly because of the workmanship, organization and skill of the craftsmen. The other reason for the flourishing of this division is because of the boom of tourism in Goa. With the number of tourist's multiplying in Goa there has been increase in the rush to carry back traditional Goan souvenirs. The government too has taken steps to further the cause of crafts in Goa. For this purpose the Government of Goa has set up the Goa Handicrafts, Rural & Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Limited (GHRSSIDC). Now some 1,000 craftsmen are employed in about 500 units.

The uniqueness of Goan crafts lie in the background of Goa's chequered history. The crafts of Goa mirror influences of Hindu, Muslim and Christian origins. However, the crafts do not mirror the distinctive elements of the different cultures; rather, they present a unified artistic amalgam. Apart from the materials mentioned above, wood, lacquer, jute, fabric, stone and coconut shells are also used to create some truly exquisite works of art. Goan craftsmen enjoy coloring wooden articles in vibrant colors like red, green, yellow and white. These multihued wooden items are called Chitaris. The best items are perhaps the fabulous terracotta and brass items from Bicholim. Items made from exquisite sea shells ranging from chandeliers to mirrors to idols are also much in demand. Corlim a well known place in Mapusa specializes in the making of elegant brass oil lamps called Samai. These are available in varying kinds ranging from four-branched lamps to many-branched lamps with the image of a god or goddess. 

Goan craftsmen carves the coconut shells to make intricate designs on items like table lamps, flower pots, images of gods and goddesses which are later varnished and colored. Coconut Products are made of dry coconuts and coconut shells. Goan handicrafts also include pottery, shell work, furniture making, bamboo work and papier-mâché. Coconut Shell Products are different kinds of shapes and designs made out of shells. Terracotta Products is traditional form of craftsmanship where mud is moulded in make items like flower pots and many decorative items. The major art forms of the state include bamboo craft, woodcarving, brass metals, seashell craft, Papier-Mache, and wooden lacquer ware. Other important crafts are Jute Macramé, Fabric Collage, Plaster of Paris, Crochet and embroidery, fiber and Batik prints, fiber stone carving, Coconut shell carving, metal embossing, silver and imitation jewelry, cotton dolls, soft toys, woolen tapestry, and artistic weaving.

Here is the description of different handicrafts of Goa:
1.POTTERY & TERRACOTA: These are traditional crafts with utility-cum-decorative items produced by the potters with artistic perfection and realistic finish. The items produced with this craft include flower garden pots, bowls with floral designs, figures of Saints, Gods' and Goddesses' and animals, ashtrays and penholders, etc.

2. BRASS METAL WARE: While utensils of utility are made of sheet metal (copper), brass metal casting is a craft passed on from one generation to another practiced on hereditary basis. The items produced include oil lamps in various designs, candle stands, temple towers, church bells, ashtrays, etc.

3. WOODEN LAQUERWARE/WOOD TURNING: Some of the most exquisite items produced in Goan woodcraft include cradles, baby carts, toys, corner stands, etc. which are used mostly by Hindu families on religious occasions.

4. CROCHET & EMBROIDERY: Works such as tablecloths, children and ladies garments, pillow and cushion covers, linen form a breathtaking apparel range.

 5. BAMBOO CRAFT: One of the major crafts industries of Goa. The list of popular Bamboo products include flower baskets, mats, and letter-holders, pen stands, fans and other decorative items.

6. FIBRE CRAFT: Shopping bags, ladies purses, coasters and wall hangings, and other essential accessory items used in daily purposes are made of banana or sisal fibre and the major fiber craft centre is situated in Corlim.

7.JUTE MACRAME CRAFT: Jute craft is known to be one of the most unique crafts of India and items such as decorative bags, belts, wall hangings, lamp shades, flower pots, hangers, etc are popular Goan souvenirs.

8. COCONUT MASK CARVING & SEA SHELL CRAFT: Mask carving has got a whole new look in Goa as it is done on coconut shells. Sea shell craft produces ashtrays, lamp shades, coasters, chandeliers, curtains, pot hangers, table mats, clocks, mirror frame, etc.

Handicrafts of Goa are the most valuable assets of the beach state, which are not only ethnic, but their creative merit surpasses many costly trendy items of the present age. Goanese are very good at carving out showpieces out of natural stuff like coconut husk or palm leaves. To fulfill a tourist's wish to shop for exclusive Goan handicrafts, a plethora of items are made under the tutelage of the Goa Rural Handicrafts and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation. The items made by these craftsmen in Goa are made available at the Handicrafts Emporium in Panjim, tourist hotels, and other souvenir hubs.