Handicrafts of Goa

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Handicrafts of Goa

  • Indian words for handicrafts are commonly hastkala, hastshilp, dastkari, karigari, all meaning handiwork, but they also refer to objects made with craftsmanship, i.e., specialised skills of the hands which are also artistic.
  • The aesthetic content is an intrinsic part of such objects and means the object of utility has a value that goes beyond mere usage and is also pleasing to the eye.
  • Crafts are closely related to concept of form, pattern, design, usage, and these lead to its total aesthetic quality
  • The local craftsmen in Goa, design articles from coconut husks, palm leaves, brass and wood, and colour them with vibrant coloured paints to make them eye-catchy.
  • These hand-made articles or handicrafts are amongst the prime attractions of Goa
  • These handicrafts not only contribute to the livelihood of the local people, but also play a vital role in Goa tourism.
  • The Goa handicraft market covers countries like Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Czech Republic, Denmark, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and so on.
  • Looking at the huge demand of Goan crafts in the international market, the government of Goa has also taken serious steps in the recent times to further upgrade the handicraft industry of the state.
  • The Goa Handicrafts, Rural & Small Scale Industries Development Corporation (GHRSSIDC), initiated in 1980, is the organisation that encourages and promotes the handicrafts of Goa and makes them available in various outlets.
  • Different categories of Goa handicrafts
  1. Brass Work
  2. Wooden Lacquer – ware
  3. Papier Mache
  4. Bamboo Craft
  5. Terracotta Pottery
  6. Woodcarving
  7. Seashell Craft
  8. Goan tribal art

Coir Products

  • The specially knotted mats, hand-made hats, masks & tough ropes made from coconut husk.
  • These coir products are considered one of the oldest handicrafts in Goa.
  • The locals are expert in extracting husk from coconut shells.
  • This natural substance – Coconut husk is also used in making ashtrays, lamp shades, coasters, chandeliers, curtains, pot hangers, table mats, mirror frames, shopping bags, ladies purses and other traditional items.

Jute Macrame Craft

  • Jute, a cheap natural fibre composed of cellulose (plant fibre) and lignin (wood fibre), is often used by the craftsmen of Goa to design decorative bags, belts, wall hanging, lamp shades, flower pots, hangers, shopping bags, ladies purses etc.
  • Jute materials form the most unique crafts of India as jute is considered the best fibre in terms of strength.

Brass Work

  • While several artisans moulding brass into various designs and shapes.
  • These items may include hanging oil lamps, statues, candle stands, ash-trays and the most famous handicraft of Goa, the lamp Samai (a tree-like oil lamp with flower motifs).
  • These artisans are considered geniuses at the art of moulding brass by hands, with such simplicity and tremendous beauty, which even modern techniques fail to achieve.

Bamboo Craft

  • This art springs from the extreme rural areas of Goa by the Mahar community and is believed to be one of the oldest arts.
  • Bamboo and Crane crafts can be used as decorative items in houses.
  • Earlier, this art was limited to bamboo carriers and baskets which were specially designed for the farmers and fishermen.
  • These baskets were used to carry coconut, rice, paddy, fish, flowers.
  • As Goa turned into a major tourist hub, this art introduced several decorative items like flower pots, baskets, pen stands, lightweight furniture and letter holders.

Other crafts also include:

  • Wooden Lacquer–ware (various toys, corner stands, baby carts, cradles- made of wood).
  • Papier-mache (wall hangings, flower vases, jewellery boxes, pen stands etc made from waste paper)
  • Terracotta Pottery (flower pots, ash-trays, floral designs and idols of gods made from mud)
  • Woodcarving (photo frames, idols, mirror frames, book shelves and boxes carved from wood)
  • Sea-shell and coconut craft
  • Crochet and Embroidery (hand-made tablecloths, children and ladies garments, pillow and cushion covers, linen, curtains etc. from thin cotton or silk threads)

The attractiveness and stunning beauty of these hand-made items compel the visitors to buy them. All these items collectively contribute towards employment for the villagers and tribes of Goa.

The Goa Handicrafts Rural & Small Scale Industries Development Corporation (GHRSSIDC LTD)

  • The Goa Handicrafts Rural & Small Scale Industries Development Corporation (GHRSSIDC LTD), a Government of Goa Undertaking was established in 1980.
  • GHRSSIDC is registered under the Companies Act, 1956.
  • The main objective of GHRSSID is to manufacture, sell products of rural, cottage, handicrafts, village industries, and handloom & textile goods.
  • GHRSSIDC also works with aim to encourage, procure and make available expert advice and guidance and to undertake and provide all sorts of marketing facilities including export market for products of handicrafts, rural, small scale, village & cottage industries.
  • GHRSSIDC provides support to the artisans and handicrafts in Goa through its various activities and schemes.
  • GHRSSIDC through ten emporia in various locations in Goa and one emporium in Delhi sells and promotes the handicrafts made by the artisan and thus providing a source of income to the artists.
  • The corporation provides impetus to Small Scale Industries through its PPS or rate contract scheme wherein various items like Electrical conductors ,RCC pipes, Chemicals, Steel furniture, Wooden furniture etc. is supplied to various Government departments/ autonomous bodies under an annual rate contract from the various SSI units registered in Goa.
  • Under the new Coal Distribution Policy of the Government of India, the GHRSSIDC has been designated as the State Agency for supply of Coal to small and medium industrial units whose annual requirement of coal is less than 4200 tons per annum The GHRSSIDC has a strong presence in the retail steel market of the state.
  • The corporation deals with steel products manufactured by companies like Steel authority of India Limited, Essar, Jindal steel works ect.
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