Traditional weaves from Orissa

KOCHI: An exhibition of Orissa crafts reflecting the traditional Orissa arts and crafts products like Ikat, Bomkai and Sambalpuri saris is being held at the Women’s Association Hall on Diwan’s road.Stone carvings, applique and embroidery work, silver filigree work, palm leaf incised design, metal work and lacquered craftsmanship from temple architecture are the main attractions.   The palm leaf writings, the Patachithra with paintings on cloth, applique art designs on cloth with temple art, carving and metal work on flowerpots, bowls, carving plates etc all showcase the ancient art of Orissa. A wide range of cotton dresses and papier-mache art is another attraction. The textiles of Orissa have their own individuality. The state is famous for its silk and its luxurious texture, especially the silk ikat weaves, which is an intricate process in which wrap and weft threads are first tied and then dyed to produce the set pattern on the loom while weaving. The typical Orissa designs include rows of birds and animals, fish, seashells etc. The typical varieties of Orissa saris are khanduas, saktapada, tarabali and bichithrapuri.The handlooms are in exquisite fabrics, breathtaking in their range. The tusser silk proves the mastery of Orissa weavers. These are the result of their dedicated and experienced silk worm cultivation. Most of these products are from tribal areas -Raghurajpur, Dandhashahi, Puri, Khandapara, Cuttack, Berhampur, Tarva and Chandanpur.