West Bengal, bustling and vibrant, located in the lower Gangetic plains, is home to numerous forms of arts and crafts. From the metallic Dokra work to the fiery red Terracotta figurines, the state is renowned for its simple, earthy, aesthetic objet d’arts.
Bengal products are witnessing a resurgence in popularity thanks to the efforts of various private and government organisations. It is because of the sedulous efforts of these entities that ordinary folk, at home and abroad, have been brought closer to the beauty, vision, and spirit of the artisans of Bengal.
Most of these artisanal offerings are extremely down-to-earth and uncompromisingly simple. There is nothing contorted or esoteric about them, reflecting a different era.
In this blog, let us know more about the different Bengal crafts and how are the artists keeping these alive.
The region of Mojilpur, a part of the Joynagar-Mojilpur neighbourhood, is home to quaint clay dolls. The speciality of these clay dolls is that the insides are hollow, being made in moulds and stuck together. They are sun-dried, instead of being fired in an oven. The figures are rounded in form and are coated with balsam oil (Garjan) for the lustre. Mostly, figures of deities are made, like Durga, Radha-Krishna, Jagannath, and many more. Several folk deities specific to the Sundarbans are also crafted such as Bonbibi, Jhola Bibi, and Kalu Rai.
Buy Mojilpur’s products: https://www.thebengalstore.com/crafts/clay-craft
Natungram, also known as the Doll Village of Bengal, is where rudimentary wooden dolls are handcrafted and hand painted. Depicting owls (a symbol of Laxmi, the goddess of wealth), soldiers, various popular folk figures, as well as Gods and Goddesses, these figures are loved for their bright colours and rustic appeal. The beauty of the workmanship lies in the painting. Hands, legs, and sarees are hand painted and look visually appealing.
Buy Natungram’s products: https://www.thebengalstore.com/crafts/wooden-craft
Making use of the lost wax process of metal casting, these figurines have no joints in their form because of the unique making procedure. Originating almost 3,500 years ago, the art form is still alive and well. The level of intricacy and attention to detail is unmatched by other art forms in Bengal. Drapes, digits, and motifs are fashioned carefully making it the most elaborate of the Bengal products discussed thus far.
Buy Dhokra products: https://www.thebengalstore.com/crafts/dokra
Dating back to the 8th century, these fiery russet clay dolls and figurines are almost synonymous with Bengal. The Kothakoli horse is the most typical of the figures, displaying a disproportionate medley of features, with short legs and a long neck. Frankly, these are among the most easily recognized of Bengal’s artworks, which are prized as gifting items.
Buy Terracotta products: https://www.thebengalstore.com/crafts/terracotta
Bengal products like artwork have succeeded in capturing the imagination of the global mind. As more locals and expats seek to understand their roots, they often turn to the ancient art forms for a sense of stability and wonder.
Art is after all an extension of the inner man, and these art forms, simple or complicated, reflect the spirit of Bengal, in more ways than one.
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