Plaster of Paris Idols - Ahmedabad
Plaster of Paris (PoP) is widely used in the interior decoration and murals painting where as other form of plasters like lime plaster and cement plaster are used for other applications. PoP is produced by heating gypsum and was invented by Egyptians near 5000 years ago. The gypsum is crumpled and burnt to make the powder which was later mixed with water to form plaster. Looking at the history, Gypsumwas abundantly available in “North of Paris” it was renamed as PoP in the year 1600s.People of France used PoP as decorative plasterwork in house with white color which was famous.
According to the artisan, Mr. Modabhai Chhatrani in 1970 started the idol making process at Ahmedabad, which spread across the country. PoP idol making is famous even today in Ahmedabad and in many other cities of India due light weight, easy to produce and low cost. “Gulbai Tekra” is the largest slum area in Ahmedabad, which is famous for making the PoP idols. The artisan makes Ganesh and Krishna idols in different forms according the experience and imagination. The most demanded and popular idolsare lord Ganesh, Durga and Krishna. The locality is commonly and well known by the other name called ‘Ganesh galli’ (in hindi language)
The artisans are highly involved in producing different kinds of PoP idols to supply to the local people and market needs. The idols of PoP products are available both in traditional as well as contemporary designs. The products made are used for worship as well as decorations at home. Rubber-molding technique is used produce PoP idols. Vivid colors are used to paint the idol after retrieving from mold which enhances the attractiveness of the products. The young men and women are involved in making these idols. They supply Ganesh idols to Mumbai and many other places in Gujarat.
