Papier Mache – Amazing Craft of Odisha
Papier Mache – Amazing Craft of Odisha. Odisha is known for its rich art and culture. Odisha, the land of renowned artists and craftsmen, holds a rich artistic tradition that enjoyed liberal patronage from the temples as well as the nobility.
Apart from temples, the enthralling craftwork of Odisha depicts the magic of the deft hands of these artisans and puts forth a perfect medium to get a glimpse of the spectacular world of a craftsmen’s imagination.
There are numerous art forms and crafts that reveal the ancient beauty and the refined skills of the artisans of Odisha. These crafts include Stone Carvings, Pattachitra,3. Sand Art, Silver Filigree, Applique Works, Palm Leaf Etching, Brass and Dhokra Works, Papier Mache, Horn Bone Craft, Tassar Patta, Ikat(Tie & Dye weaving), Coir Craft, Odisha Art Bottles, Terracotta Crafts, Santhal and Saora Paintings and an uncountable list.
Papier Mache skill is been practiced by the craftspersons from all over Odisha. Paper, waste cloth, and different kinds of natural fibers are soaked and beaten into a pulp, mixed with a variety of seeds and gums for strength and as protection from termites. Special clays and bio-wastes are added for body and reinforcement. The entire process results in a medium so malleable that it requires little skill to be molded into countless forms. However, despite its versatility, this craft has remained neglected.
Papier Mache literally means craft made of paper pulps. The range of products ranges from masks, lampshade, decorative items, animals to name a few. The Pattachitra style of iconography finds resonance in this craft.
Also Read: Pattachitra as the new style statement
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