Clay/ Terracotta/ Ceramics/ POP

Longpi Coiled Pottery of Manipur

Manipuri pottery is unique in style and technique. Unlike in other parts of India, the craft is practised both by men and women. The potters of this area do not use a wheel and, instead, use the coiled method of making pots. The pots are functional and, more often than not, black in colour, a result of the process followed and of the smoke stains while firing. Manipuri pottery is made with a mixture of clay and powdered stone. After a thorough kneading, a large slab is rolled out and shaped into a cylinder. The cylinder is placed on a circular board, which, in turn, is placed on a stool.

Arts & Crafts

Hukka Crafts of Haryana

Hukka, chillums or the smoking pipes are very commonly used by the men and the women folk of this state. These hukkas are made out of clay and has an earthen pot in the centre where the smoking ingredients are put and later burned to get the effect. These items are very commonly available in the villages and today it has become a decorative item for the civilized society. These items are available in the market with all the fancy attachments. Other items are water pots , foot scrubbers, tea pots, cups, plates, griddles etc and are all made out of clay.

Arts & Crafts

Clay & Terracotta of West Bengal

The finest patterns of terracotta panels can be found in Bengal towns of Murshidabad, Birbhaum, Jessore, Hooghly and Digha. The theme is generally folk and the patterns are fairly highlighted with traditional skill and explicit artwork.

The clay used is generally a blend of two to three clays found in river beds, pits and ditches. More often than not the fuel used is one of the local resources available in the form of twigs, dry leaves or firewood. The kilns where the clay pots are baked are operated at temperatures between 700 ? 800 degrees celcius.

Arts & Crafts

Votive Terracottas of Molela, Rajasthan

Murtikala, the art of making votive murtis or idols of gods with terracotta, exists in Molela, in Rajasthan. While the murtis were originally standing idols of local deities and various Vishnu forms, today the murtis are often mounted on tiles or plaques and are hung from the walls of temples and homes. These murtis can be multicoloured or can have a terracotta hue, as can be seen in various temples in Rajasthan and Gujarat. While the potters of Molela are known for votive murtis, and also procure their livelihood from these, they also depict scenes that express what the artisan can see in his/her surroundings on plaques.

Arts & Crafts