Folk Art, Craft, and Culture of Odisha

The rich tapestry of Odisha’s cultural heritage is vividly portrayed in its art forms, crafts, and traditional attire. The state boasts a range of painting styles, exquisite crafts, and a deep-rooted tradition that defines its people and lifestyle.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the various forms of traditional paintings and their historical significance in Odisha.
2. Identify key crafts of Odisha, such as applique work, bamboo and cane craft, and Dhokra metal casting.
3. Explore the cultural attire and ornaments unique to Odisha.
4. Appreciate the diverse tribal influences on Odisha’s folk art and craft.

Paintings of Odisha

Odisha has a historical and diverse painting tradition dating back to the early historic period. Major painting types include rock paintings, tribal paintings, and Pattachitra paintings, each embodying the essence of Odisha’s deities, tribal culture, and nature.

Rock Paintings

Rock paintings are ancient artworks that date back to the prehistoric era.

1. These are found in areas such as Ulapgarh, Vikramkhol, Manikmada, Ushakothi, Gudahandi, and Yogimath.
2. They illustrate a range of motifs from geometrical and floral patterns to human figures depicting activities like hunting, dancing, and domestic work.
3. Colors used include red (from iron), white (lime compounds), and brown (copper).
4. Characters resemble a fusion of Mohenjodaro and Brahmi scripts.
5. Notable examples include Ravana Chhaya Rock at Sitabinji, depicting processions, and the murals in Lakshmi Temple and Jagannath Temple.

Tribal Paintings

Tribal paintings reflect Odisha’s diverse tribal culture, with various styles linked to different communities.

1. Saura Paintings: Associated with the Saura tribe, found in Rayagada, Gajapati, and Koraput. Known as ‘Ikons’ or ‘Idital’, these depict deities, people, animals, and celestial bodies.
2. Kondh Paintings: Sub-groups like Kutia Kondhs and Dongria Kondhs create Tikangkuda and Manji Gunda, representing their simple yet artistic style.
3. Kissan Paintings: Illustrate Samlai deity and agricultural activities, with variations like Jhanjira by the Paudi Bhuyan tribe.
4. Juang Paintings: Depict themes of birds, animals, and flowers on walls.

Pattachitra Paintings

Pattachitra is a classical form that draws from Hindu mythology.

1. Originates in Raghurajpur, Puri district, dating back to the 5th century BC.
2. Central theme revolves around Jagannath, along with depictions from the Mahabharata, Krishna cult, Vaishnav traditions, and more.
3. Created on cotton or silk cloth, with the use of vegetable, earth, and stone colors.
4. Involves all family members, with women preparing canvas using chalk and tamarind gum.
5. Notable variations include Palm Leaf Pattachitra or Tala Pattachitra, drawn on palm leaves using ink to fill etched grooves.

Important Note

Pattachitra is a hereditary art, with techniques and styles passed down generations in families, preserving the original essence.

Jhoti or Chita Painting

Jhoti or Chita connects art to social and religious practices.

1. Created with white rice paste on walls and floors, especially in the Margasira month.
2. Symbolizes a bond between the mystical and material worlds, using motifs like lotus, peacock, elephant, and geometrical patterns.

Sand Art

Sand Art is a unique tradition seen on Puri beach.

1. Sculptures are created using clean, fine-grained sand mixed with water.
2. Internationally acclaimed sculptor Sudarshan Patnaik has popularized this art form, drawing tourists globally.

Crafts of Odisha

Odisha’s handicrafts showcase both artistic skills and tribal culture. The crafts involve embroidery, weaving, metalwork, stone carving, and more.

Applique Craft

This craft involves applying smaller fabric patches onto a larger fabric.

1. Pipili, Puri district, is famous for its applique work, originating from Lord Jagannath culture in the 12th century.
2. Designs include birds, animals, and floral patterns in red, black, yellow, and white.
3. Used in temples, marriage canopies, and on sarees, with a significant international market.

Bamboo and Cane Craft

1. Utilized in making items like baskets, lampshades, and mats.
2. Stems are split, heated, and molded into different forms.

Coir Craft

Processed from coconut husks through retting, a process enhancing durability.

1. Used to make eco-friendly items like toys, wall hangings, pen stands, and figures.

Grass Weaving Craft

1. Golden Grass: Known as Kaincha, found post-monsoon and used to craft baskets, trays, and mats in places like Kendrapara and Sundergarh.
2. Sabai Grass: Grown in Mayurbhanj, used for making baskets, hats, carriers, etc.

Horn and Bone Craft

A traditional craft by Santhals, Oraons, and Marijas tribes.

1. Uses cow and buffalo horns to create items like ashtrays, lamp stands, and combs.
2. Famous in Paralakhemundi and Cuttack.

Lac Craft

1. Practiced mainly in Nabarangpur; lac is sourced from insects on trees like Palash and Ber.
2. Creates items such as lac combs, known locally as Lac Siredi.

Metal Craft: Dhokra – Lost Wax Metal Casting

1. An ancient craft used by the Situlia tribe, dating back 4,000 years.
2. Produces jewelry, vessels, figures of gods, and animals through a lost-wax process.

Brass and Bell Metal Ware

1. Crafted by the Kansari caste; involves heating and beating metals to create pots, lamps, and ornaments.
2. Centers include Cuttack, Dhenkanal, and Jajpur.

Culture of Odisha

Odisha’s culture is evident in its traditional attire, which showcases a blend of Bengali and tribal influences.

Traditional Dresses for Women

1. Sarees like Kataki, Bomkai, and Sambalpuri are prominent.
2. Women adorn various ornaments including necklaces (Hansuli), earrings (Jhalka), nose ornaments (Jharaguna), hand ornaments (Katria), and waist chains (Ghunsi).

Traditional Dresses for Men

1. The typical dress includes Dhoti, Kurta, and Gamucha.
2. Lungi and Turban are worn by working men.
3. Men’s ornaments include Murma (nose ornament) and Kagudika (neck ornament).

Important Note

The eldest male members strictly follow the traditional

attire to keep the family connected to its cultural roots.

1 MCQ with 4 Options

Q: Which craft in Odisha involves the use of cow and buffalo horns to create utility items?

1. Bamboo and Cane Craft
2. Lac Craft
3. Horn and Bone Craft
4. Grass Weaving Craft
   Answer: 3. Horn and Bone Craft