Handicraft
A handicraft, sometimes more precisely expressed as artisanal handicraft or handmade, is
any of a wide variety of types of work where useful and decorative objects are made completely
by hand or by using only simple tools. It is a traditional main sector of craft, and applies to a
wide range of creative and design activities that are related to making things with one's hands
and skill, including work with textiles, moldable and rigid materials, paper, plant fibers, etc.
Usually the term is applied to traditional techniques of creating items (whether for personal use
or as products) that are both practical and aesthetic.Handicraft industries are those that produces
things with hands to meet the needs of the people in their locality.Machines are not used.
Collective terms for handicrafts include artisanry, handicrafting, crafting, and
handicraftsmanship. The term arts and crafts is also applied, especially in the United States
and mostly to hobbyists' and children's output rather than items crafted for daily use, but this
distinction is not formal, and the term is easily confused with the Arts and Crafts design
movement, which is in fact as practical as it is aesthetic.
Handicrafting has its roots in the rural craftsthe material-goods necessitiesof ancient
civilizations, and many specific crafts have been practiced for centuries, while others are modern
inventions, or popularizations of crafts which were originally practiced in a limited geographic
area.
Many handicrafters use natural, even entirely indigenous, materials while others may prefer
modern, non-traditional materials, and even upcycle industrial materials. The individual
artisanship of a handicrafted item is the paramount criterion; those made by mass production or
machines are not handicraft goods.
Seen as developing the skills and creative interests of students, generally and sometimes towards
a particular craft or trade, handicrafts are often integrated into educational systems, both
informally and formally. Most crafts require the development of skill and the application of
patience, but can be learned by virtually anyone.
Like folk art, handicraft output often has cultural and/or religious significance, and increasingly
may have a political message as well, as in craftivism. Many crafts become very popular for brief
periods of time (a few months, or a few years), spreading rapidly among the crafting population
as everyone emulates the first examples, then their popularity wanes until a later resurgence.
Bagh Prints of Madhya Pradesh
Bagh Print is a traditional hand block print with natural colours, an Indian Handicraft practised
in Bagh, Dhar district in Madhya Pradesh, India. Its name is derived from the village Bagh on the
banks of the Bagh River. Bagh print fabric with replicated geometric and floral compositions
with vegetable colours of red and black over a white background is a popular Textile printing
product.[1][2]
Bagh Prints is listed as a geographically tagged and is protected under the Geographical
Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act (GI Act) 1999 of the Government of India.
It was registered by the Controller General of Patents Designs and Trademarks under the title
"Bagh Prints of Madhya Pradesh" and recorded with (GI) tag under Application number 98 in
2008. Its logo with the titleBagh Prints of Madhya Pradesh (Logo) was approved under
application number 505 dated 1 August 2015 under Class 24 Textiles and Textile goods not
included under other classes.[1][3]
Andhra Pradesh Handicrafts
Handicrafts have always been a remarkable feature of Indian art and crafts. Andhra Pradesh is
yet another great site offering ample astounding handicrafts. The artisans still make these
extraordinary handicrafts with dexterity. Whether it is needle craft or bronze castings, metal craft
or stone craft, Andhra Pradesh has a wide array of handicrafts that can become a part of your
lifestyle. The eminence of these handicrafts lies in their traditional method of creation. These
handicrafts are loved and adored not only by Indians, but people from all parts of the world.
Many inhabitants of the state still rely on the handicraft industry. Scroll down to get more
information about the famous handicrafts of Andhra Pradesh.
Banjara Needle Crafts
The embroidery and mirror work, created by the 'Banjaras' (Gypsies) on fabrics, have become
the part of each person's wardrobe in India. These people employ their dexterity in needle craft
and create incredible designs on clothes. This work of art is known for its intricate and colorful
designs.
Budithi Brassware
In Srikakulam district, Budithi is a small village that is known for its astonishing brassware. The
items carved out of alloys range from traditional to modern ones. The exclusive art articulates in
the form of traditional utensils and contemporary pots. Brass is commonly used to make the
objects. These objects are adorned with geometric patterns and floral designs.
Durgi Stone Craft
Durgi is a small town, located at a distance of 10 km from Macherla. The traditional skill of
making sculptures is still practiced and taught at the School of Sculpture and Stone Carving
situated here. From generation to generation, these skills have been passed and the ancient
methods are still observed to create the masterpieces of art.
Veena Manufacturing
'Veena' is the one amongst the oldest musical instruments of India. No composition of Carnatic
music is complete without the cadence of this instrument. Bobbili town is much acclaimed for
manufacturing Veena. The instruments made here are known for their fullness of tone. Moreover,
they are available in different designs and patterns.
Bidri Craft
Bidri craft is another craft that serves as the pride of Andhra Pradesh. This unique art of silver
inlay on metal has always been enthralling people with its lure. The historical events reveal that
this craft was brought by Iran migrants to India. The artisans practiced this art and brought it on
the world wide panorama. In the present day, Bidri craft has been customized to produce
cufflinks, name plates and many more things.
Dokra Metal Crafts
Dokra Metal craft is quite prevalent in the tribal regions of Andhra Pradesh. In Adilabad district,
the places like Chittalbori and Ushegaon are the main promoters of this art. The notable fact
about Dokra craft is that each piece is different from the other. All the objects are created niftily
by hand, boasting of individualistic touch. Dokra craft produces objects like figurines, horses,
drummers, atypical spoons and tribal Gods.
Nirmal Arts
Nirmal town of Adilabad district is known for its wide range of handicrafts. The skilled
craftsmen make the objects appear authentic with their brilliant use of colors and traditional
techniques of creating objects. The colors are extracted from the natural dyes. The popular
'Moghul' miniatures are made on 'Ponniki', which is a soft white wood. It is further strengthened
with coatings of tamarind seed paste, fine muslin and pipe clay.
Bronze Castings
Andhra Pradesh has been known world-wide for its amazing Bronze castings. These castings
require special skills to create incredible idols. The craftsmen are required to study details of the
'Shilpashastra'. The aesthetics of the idols are made by their physical measurements, proportions,
description of the deity, characteristics and symbolism. While exercising solid casting of icons,
the mould is prepared by several coatings of different clay on a finished wax model. This process
provides the fine curves to the cast-image.
Kondapalli Toys
Kondapalli toys are famous for being eco-friendly and different from others. Made out of
softwood, known as 'Tella Poniki', the toys of Kondapalli utilize sawdust, tamarind seed powder,
enamel gums and watercolors in their creation. As and when a toy is carved out from wood, it is
further shaped with a paste made of tamarind, wood and sawdust. After the whole process,
'Sudda' (white lime) is applied on the toy and then, it is left for a day or two to dry. Subsequently,
the artists paint the toys in different colors, indicating the character of the image.
Lacquer Ware
In Andhra Pradesh, Etikoppaka is famous for its amazing
lacquer ware. This craft involves application of lacquer on
wood. Lacquering could be done either by hand or
machine. The hand-lathe is preferred to shape delicate
items. The lac is applied when the objects get arid. In this
process, the lacstick is hard-pressed against the
woodenware meant to be lacquered. Since the object keeps
on revolving, the friction generates heat, which softens the
lac and facilitates the color to get stick. With the help of
brush, designs are painted on the figures, objects and toys. The lac bangle is the most popular
lacquerware that also comes embellished with stones, beads, glass and mirrors.
