AN INITIATIVE OF CRAFT REVIVAL TRUST.  Since 1999
Kumbhar Kaam/ Clay and Terracotta of Odisha

Clay, Terracotta, Pottery

Kumbhar Kaam/ Clay and Terracotta of Odisha

The terracotta tiles made in Barpali village of Bargarh are locally known as khappar which is believed to bring fortune to the homes. The khappar are made by the Rana craftsmen who belong to the potter’s community in western Odisha.

The images of animals that have mythical allusions are portrayed with vivid expressions, almost bringing them to life. Images of lion, monkey, mouse, birds and elephants are put atop the tiles. The bee and pigeon signify the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi , mouse symbolizes Lord Ganesh’s mount and the frog is a sign of the monsoon. Craftsmen of this community from the same community as of Rana in Sonepur are also known for crafting the Hanuman figure with a flaming tail to carry it throughout the town of Lanka on the festival day of Bhadrap Amavas.

Utensils such as surahi, kalash, gadu, todiya along with water container namely haandi and maathiya are crafted for household use. Tulsi chaura crafted for ritualistic purposes to plant tulsi and basil. The terracotta pots are thrown on the potter’s wheel called kumbhar chaka and beaten for shaping and finishing. Wooden beaters such as ugalni pitna, majhia pitna, chiknaini pitna are used along with peend/ stone support and paali/ bamboo stick.

Gallery

YOUR VIEWS

PRACTITIONERS: INDIA

Access 70,000+ practitioners in 2500+ crafts across India.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

10,000+ listings on arts, crafts, design, heritage, culture etc.

GLOSSARY

Rich and often unfamiliar vocabulary of crafts and textiles.

SHOP at India InCH

Needs to be written.