Terracotta Jewelry and Toys - Sambalpur, Orissa
Terracotta has been one of the old and earlier forms of mediums used by human beings nearly for every purpose of life be it a vessel, a house, pots, construction materials, decorative, jewelry, sculptures, lamps and other utilities. Terracotta is an Italian term which mean “baked earth”. Terracotta is one of the best and foremost eco-friendly material discovered on earth. Terracotta is one of the mediums common and familiar all over the world. When we go back to history to the times of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro we get to see many terracotta objects, articles, bricks, toys, pottery, female figurines and animal figurines discovered by archaeologists during excavations. Later civilizations have also comprehended terracotta medium in their lives massively from making benevolent bulls, mother goddess, mannequins, the king and his horses with chariot to work for humanity. As the civilization grew the productivity developed.
Earlier the clay work was made at the banks of rivers for the easy access to the raw materials. The clay is used in making the objects that are acquired from the rich alluvium silt from the river valleys. In northern part of the India, the alluvium soil is easy to find, has river flows the alluvium is reduced thus in southern part, the clay acquired is less and low in plasticity. In India generally people groups are categorized with the profession they carry. Likewise in India people who do clay work are categorized and fall under the caste called Kumhar or Kumbhara.
Terracotta is used presently more in interior designing. We witness many terracotta pots with enhanced add on features displayed in and around the busy streets for sale. Terracotta jewelry is nothing new to the world, it is been since the time of civilization begun. People of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro civilization have been ornamented with the terracotta jewelries like earrings, ear studs, necklaces, pendants, bangles and bracelets which were colored and well-polished that was discovered by the archaeologists.
Mr. Jayadev Rana from Barpali, Bargarh district, Orissa is one of the master craftsmen of terracotta jewelry and crafts with an experience of 25 years in this craft who is producing the beautiful earrings, necklace and other jewelry articles. Mr. Manbodha Rana also from Barpali, Orrisa is one of the artisans of the terracotta articles and toys. He inherits this craft from his father Mr. Parameshwar Rana and ancestors who produced terracotta pots and roof sealing earlier. He is awarded Nationally for terracotta tiles in the year 1986. He had travelled outside countries like Denmark, Canada, Israeli, Japan, Spain, and France for the purpose of terracotta workshop.
