Goa does not lag behind as far as arts
and crafts are concerned and has turned out a good competitor in this
creative field just like any other art enriched state of India. It can be
said that art virtually runs in their blood, which is manifested, in many
artistic crafts that have attained commercial proportions. They make
excellent souvenirs for tourists. Goan handicrafts include Creative
Pottery, Shell Work, Furniture, Brass Work, Bamboo Work, Papier-Mache,
etc.
These items are crafted by professional artisans in their ethnic
ambience, and also by artisans working at the arts and crafts complex run
by the government. They are sold through various handicraft emporia and
all 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 can be at best described as a mirror of Goa's perennial glory and
beauty and they have carved a niche for themselves by winning critical
acclaim of the connoisseurs of the art world.
Major Art forms
The major art forms of the state include bamboo craft, woodcarving, brass
metals, seashell craft, Papier-Mache, and wooden lacquer ware. Other
important crafts of the state include Jute Macrame, 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.
Art Centres
Bamboo craft, pottery and woodwork constitute the major cottage
industries of Goa in terms of employment. Bamboo work is majorly done in
Bardez, Bicholim, Pernem and Sattari. There are about 500 units employing
over 1,000 craftsmen. Saleete, Bicholim, Ponda, Pernem and Sattari are
centres of woodwork employing about 200 craftsmen at over 100 units.
Pottery Unita are at Bardez, Bicholim, Canacona, and Sattari employing
150 craftsmen.
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.
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 practised on
hereditary basis. The items produced include oil lamps in various designs,
candle stands, temple towers, church bells, ashtrays, etc.
WOODEN LAQUERWARE/WOOD TURNING
Some of the most exquisite items produced in Goan woodcraft include
cradles, baby carts, toys, corner stands, etc.
CROCHET & EMBROIDERY
Works such as tablecloths, children and ladies garments, pillow and
cushion covers, linen, brings out a breathtaking apparel range. The
important places famous for embroidery include Panaji,
Caranzalem, Ribandar, Sanquelim and Mapusa.
BAMBOO CRAFT
Being one of the major crafts industry of Goa the
list of popular Bamboo products include flower baskets, mats, and
letter-holders, pen stands, fans and other decorative items. Beside the
main cities of Goa other centres of bamboo work
include Gurim, Keri and Candolim.
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 fibre craft centre is situated in Corolim.
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 hanging, lamp shades, flower
pots, hangers, etc are considered Goan souvenirs.
COCONUT MASK CARVING & SEA SHELL CRAFT
Mask's can intrigue a person by their looks and their making and in Goa
mask carving has got a whole new look as it is done on coconut shells.
Other popular items produced in Sea shell craft include ashtrays, lamp
shades, coasters, chandeliers, curtains, pot hangers, table mats, clocks,
mirror frame, etc.
GHRSSIDC
The Goa Handicrafts, Rural & Small Scale Industries Development
Corporation Limited (GHRSSIDC), a Government of Goa Undertaking, was set
up in October 1980. Its main objective is to encourage, promote and market
the myriad of Goan handicrafts by making these items available through its
various outlets.
For more Information on Indian Handicrafts Click Here
Contact Address:
GHRSSIDC
Crafts Complex,
Neugi Nagar, Rua De Ourem,
Panaji, Goa - 403001.
Gms: GOAUDYOG
Goa's Handicrafts Emporia: -
| Bicholim | Pottery Production Centre, D 2/7, Industrial Estate, Bicholim, Goa – 403 504. |
| Calangute | Handicrafts Emporium, Tourist Hostel, Calangute, Goa – 403 516. |
| Mapusa | Handicrafts Emporium, Tourist Hostel, Mapusa, Goa - 403 507. |
| Margao | Handicrafts Emporium, Tourist Hostel, Margao, Goa – 403 601. |
| Panaji | Handicrafts Emporium, Tourist Hostel,
Panaji, Goa – 403 301 Handicrafts Emporium, Craft Complex, Neugi Nagar, Rua de Ourem, Panaji, Goa – 403 301. |
| Vasco Da Gama | Handicrafts Emporium, Interstate Bus Terminus, Kadamba Bus Stand, Panaji, Goa – 403 301. |
| Handicrafts Emporium, Goa Airport,
Dabolim, Vasco, Goa – 403 801. Handicrafts Emporium, Tourist Hostel, Swatantra Path, Vasco Da Gama, Goa – 403 802. |
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