Applique locally called Chandua kama basically are colored cloth cut and shaped into the forms of birds, animals, flowers, leaves, and other decorative motifs hand stitched onto a piece of cloth. Popular creations of the craftsare chandua, Garden umbrella, bags, wallets, lamp shades, cushion covers, file covers etc.
Art Leather craft is the practice of making leather into craft objects or works of art, using shaping techniques, colouring techniques or both. Leather carving entails using metal implements to compress moistened leather in such a way as to give a three-dimensional effect.
Oraon painting is a traditional tribal art form practiced by the Oraon (Kurukh) community, mainly found in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. Deeply rooted in nature and tribal rituals, these paintings often depict scenes from daily life, farming, festivals, and folk dances. Common motifs include human figures, animals, trees, and celestial bodies, rendered in bold, earthy colors made from natural materials like red and white clay, charcoal, and rice paste. Typically painted on mud walls during festivals like Sarhul, the art serves both decorative and spiritual purposes.
Saura painting is a traditional tribal art form practiced by the Saura community in the Rayagada and Gajapati districts of Odisha. Known for its bold geometric patterns and spiritual significance, Saura painting is deeply connected to the tribe’s animistic beliefs and rituals. The art often depicts ancestral spirits, deities, animals, and natural elements like the sun, moon, and trees. These paintings are typically created on mud walls using natural pigments such as rice paste, red and white clay, and charcoal.Saura paintings are more than just decoration; they serve as offerings during rituals, invoking blessings and protection from ancestors and deities. The figures in the paintings are often abstract, with stick-like representations of humans and animals surrounded by intricate, swirling patterns symbolizing energy and movement. While traditionally practiced on mud walls, Saura painting has also found expression on paper, cloth, and canvas, preserving its cultural essence and reaching a wider audience.
Artistic mat is a piece of fabric material or made from natural fibres with implications of various colours and designs. It is generally made by weaving process for use on a floor or other flat surface.
Batik is a "resist" process for making designs on fabric. The artist uses wax to prevent dye from penetrating the cloth, leaving "blank" areas in the dyedfabric. The process, wax resist then dye, can be repeated over and over tocreate complex multicolored designs.
The texture of Betel nut known as Gua in Odisha, makes it an ideal medium for carving and whittling for creation of excellent art objects . Miniatures of lord Jagannath Balabhdra Subhdra, gods like Ganesh and other religious motfis are popular icons whittled out of the betel nut.
Bell metal known as “Kansa” is a form of bronze with lower content of copper. It has been traditionally used for making of bell, bowls, plates etc. Brass which is known as pitala is a substitutional alloy of copper and zink used for making of different crafts items such as water container, plates used for worshipping purpose, Singhasana , idols etc
By slivering the bamboo stem into thin and flat strips, woven or interlaced,crafts items such as mats, storage containers, baskets, trays, fruit bowls,lamp shades, candle stands etc are created.
The clay toys are basically made of clay in the process of terracotta making.Different toys are made in the lumps through wheels by hand, sundriedand fired in a kiln. After colouring, the products are used for indoor and outdoor decoration.
Cloth flowers are made from fabric of different colours by cutting andstitching which are used normally for ornamentation purpose/ artisticlook. The cloth flowers are used for Fashion accessories, home decor items,wedding bouquet etc.
Stunning art objects are created by process of intricate whittling of the coconut shell and painting designs on it. A number of shells can be used tomake a single piece which then glued together for a final products. Idols ofHindu gods, utility items likes bowls, spoons, ladle, candle stand are someof the excellent creation from the craft.
Coir, the eco friendly Coconut fiber can be converted into beautiful craftsitems such as, toys and ornamental objects by tying and folding the fibers together. Facial structures added with a colored wool, stitched on the figureto create Animal figures, wall carpets, flowers, and other utility products.
Costume jewellery is used as ornamentation to complement a particular fashionable costume or garment. Costume or fashion jewelery normallymade of inexpensive simulated gemstones, Lucite, set in pewter, silver, nickel or brass.
Dhokra is an alloy of brass, nickel and zinc with an antique look in whichthe products are cast in brass by lost wax process and display a wire work finish. The wax work is done with great skill and precession from wires of beeswax. These pieces with their antique look go well with all types ofinterior decor. Utility and decorative products using motifs includes human heads, kings, containers, boxes of different shapes, lamps and lamp stands,table top, etc are the excellent creation of the craft.
Handmade Carpet is a thick flat-woven rug or carpet used as floor-coverings. Durriesare made manually by skilled artisans on a traditional horizontal or verticalloom. Since the durries serve the same purpose as carpet or rugs they are described as one.
Embroidery is the craft of decorating fabric or other materials using aneedle to apply thread or yarn. It may also in corporate other materials suchas pearls, beads, quills, and sequins. It is usually seen on caps, hats, coats,blankets, dress shirts, denim, dresses, stockings, and golf shirt.
A rich yellowish variety of reed grass, locally known as ‘Kaincha’ is called Golden Grass due to its golden luster on drying. The yellow and golden dried grass, innovatively split and woven to create wonderful craft items like grass mats, dainty baskets; table mats, coasters, curio boxes, wall hanging and hats etc.
Small conch shells locally known as Kaudi, which were earlier days used as currency, were crafted to create decorative objects like jewelleries by tribal folks.
Horn collected from cattle and buffalo are processed and with contemporary design inputs, various crafts items such as home decorative and utility products i.e pen stands, table lamps, paper weights, lamp shades etc are prepared.
Like Golden Grass, a rich yellowish variety of reed grass, locally known as “Jaikhadi’. The yellow and golden colour dried grass, innovatively split and woven to create wonderful craft items like mats, dainty baskets; table mats, coasters, curio boxes, wall hanging and hats etc .
Jute or the golden fiber is one of the most affordable natural fibers of Odisha. The fibers are off-white to brown, and 1–4 metres (3–13 feet) long. In the eco friendly era, the Jute fibers are in huge demand for decorative and utility products such as bags, file folders, wall hangings etc.
Keora leaf crafts basically practised in north odisha. The keora leaves are collected and dried in sunlight. The leaves are polished after cutting to the required sizes, then by weaving these dried polished keoraleafs, excellent crafts items like baskets, file covers, bags and other utility items are produced.
The “Lac”, processed from raw lac which are taken from free bark of “Kusum”. The beauty of the craft is its vibrant colours embellished with beautiful motifs which are geometric lines, triangles, floral, leaves etc. By decoratively using colourful lacquer on Terracotta, wooden, bamboo boxes and plywoods, items Jaukandhei, bangles, Joupedi, pen stands, animal figures etc. are created. Lacquer bangles are used by married women.
Like brass & bellmetal, Dhokra , Silver filigree etc. mentioned separately another metal craft i.e iron craft is practised mainly in Koraput of Odisha. The process uses a mix of casting heating and beating process with the raw material being obtain from scrap A coat of paint usually black in colour is applied after the products is fabricated. The design are tribal in natures and some time abstract with a pastoral look. White metal craft is also is in practice in western Odisha like sonepur, Tarava, Bolangir for making artificial jewelleries and home decorative articles.
Like Sabai grass, golden grass and jute etc, Sisal fiber, Nalia Grass and Hensuati are also a natural fiber. Due to its durability and strength, the leaves are prepared as a rope and then by weaving process with threads and other cloth, various products such as hats, bags, carpets, and dartboards etc. are prepared.
The husked rice or paddy is strung together to creates chains using cotton threads for creation of beautiful crafts objects. Chains of paddy are braided and shaped to form models of shrines using coloured bamboo strips frame. Idols of deities, animal figures, garlands and floral arrangements are created from paddy crafts.
One of the most eco friendly natural fibre Palm Leaf creates a wide range of decorative and utility products by drying and interweaving the leafs. From the traditional era (traditional umbrella called “Chhatri”) to modern days baskets, dustbins, bags, containers etc. are the spectacular transformation of use of palm leaf.
Palm leaf engravings or "Tala Patra Chitra' or "Pothi, Chitra‘ is one of traditional method of painting. After processing the palm leafs as per the required size, these are sewn together to form a canvas for tracing the images by a sharp pointed iron tool known as Lekhani. Black or white ink are used to fill grooves etched on rows of equal-sized panels of palm leaf that are sewn together.
Very unique and light, the Paper Machie crafts are made by paper pulp casting & hand molded paper pulp manually technique. The crafts is mostly influenced by pattachitra style of iconography with very dexterously painted. Traditional Products like ornamental boxes, mask, animals mask, tribal mask of varying sizes. Now a days utilitarian products like jewellery box, lampshade, pen stand etc are also made from paper machie.
Root craft is a unique creation by using roots of the trees basically Bamboo and other tree roots are collected and carved using hand tools to create different shapes like human head, head of deities, different animals, birds etc which are mostly decorative in nature.
Mostly available in the north odisha region, the thin and long fibrous leaves of Sabai Grass which are flexible with high strength are utilized to produce Sabai grass rope . A wide range of rope based utility items like mats, foot mats, window lings, serving trays, flower vase holders, bowels, baskets, boxes and other decorative items are made from sabai grass.
Sea shell are plentily available in the sea shores of Odisha. Small decorative items such as Shell Jewellery and figurines, boxes, mirror frames, wall hangings, pen stand etc are prepared from sea shells by joining different type of sea shell with adhesive or by weaving through thread.
Locally known as “tarakasi”, the silver filigree of Cuttack is famous for its delicateness and intricate workmanship. Made of silver drawn into threads as fine as spider’ web, the filigree jewellery and decorative art work of Odisha is internationally acclaimed for its superb finish, fine foils and textures, snow glaze and delicate artistry.
A Soft Toy also known as Stuffed Toy is sewn from textiles like plain cloth, plush or terrycloth and stuffed with cotton, wood wool, plastic pellets or straws. Soft toys are used to represent various animals with different shapes and sizes.
Solapith crafts products are known worldwide for their profound beauty and longevity at quite affordable price. The craft uses the pith or soft inner core of the cork which are cut in different sizes and shapes as required for the design and then assembled by glue for creation of mostly ornamental design and patterns. From the “Tahia” of famous Car Festival to the “Makuta” as wedding costume and solapith flowers used in the head by Odissi dancer are the excellent craft creation of the Solapith Craft.
Stone carving is the tremendous creativity of Odishan Craftsmanship which has been sustained for generations through carving of the temples and monuments throughout Odisha. An outline of sorts is first drawn on the cut-to-size stone. Once the outline is engraved, the final figure is brought out by removing the unwanted portions. Odisha artisans use Soap Stone, Sand Stone Granite etc for statues of deities, Utilitarian products like candle stands, pen stands, paperweights, bookends, lamp bases and stoneware utensils etc.
Straw craft is a modern days craft activity by using the dry stem of paddy plant which are available in many natural colour such as yellow, red, brown and white. By splitting the inner rib of the paddy crop into two longitudinal halves, decorative and utility items such as wall hanging, flower vases , pen stand watch etc are prepared.
Terracotta is the new form of pottery which literally means baked earth has evolved as a craft from the art of making earthenware pots and utensils and other such items meant for indoor and outdoor decoration and utility products etc . The clay lump is put on the potter wheel then crafted into objects by the artisans. Then sundried and fired in the kiln for hardening. Then individual parts are joined and coloured.
Theatrical dress refer to the style of dress designing meant for use in theatre/ stage for a specific character . The traditional theatrical dress such as royal dresses, dresses of god/ goddess are made from coloured fabrics with artificial jewelleries, Zari, copperwares , rings, Malis, stones, laces etc. with a artistic visual as per the character.
Tribal jewellery has become a fashion of the present day and is appreciated in national and international market. A wide range of ornaments made out of metal by heat and beat process and also by lost wax process which are dhokra beads mixed with glass beads and colourful threads. The products ranges are like jewellery, necklace, ear rings, bracelet, pahudas, hair pins etc.
Wood carving of Odisha can broadly be divided into 3 categories, namely Painted wooden toys, Plain wood carvings and Wood turned items. The most common types of wood used for making these items are Gambhari, Teak and Piasal. The excellence of the wood carvers of Odisha can be found in temple ceilings and carved wooden beams and doors in places like "Birnchinarayan temple" at Buguda, "Charchika temple" at Banki, "Shiva temple at Kapilas.
In a wood matrix, inlays commonly use wood veneers. Other materials like Shells, mother of pearl, horn or ivory, coloured stone etc can also be utilized. Initially the products are to be carved and inlaid different shapes of flowers /figures as required which gives a artistic value to the original product.
Painted wooden toys are the result of the innovations introduced to the traditional sphere of patta paintings. These are first carved on wood and then colours are applied to decorate it and give a rich bright look. The product range varies from different size of boxes, table lamp base, Alphabet Box, Photo frame, Pen Stand, Toys with animal and bird figure with stand Key ring etc.
Lanjia Saura painting, also known as Idital or Ikon, is a traditional mural art form practiced by the Lanjia Saura tribe of southern Odisha, particularly in the districts of Rayagada and Gajapati. Deeply rooted in ritual and ancestral worship, these paintings are not merely decorative but serve as sacred symbols drawn to mark significant life events such as birth, marriage, harvest, and death. Created using natural materials like rice paste, red ochre, and charcoal on mud walls, the art features stylized stick figures, animals, trees, and celestial elements arranged in flowing, symbolic patterns. Each motif carries spiritual meaning, often representing deities or ancestral spirits. Today, while the medium has expanded to paper and canvas, the essence of Lanjia Saura painting continues to reflect the tribe’s close bond with nature, community, and the divine.
Cloth patchwork are basically different vibrant colors of clothes/ fabrics, after being cut & shaped into the forms of birds, animals, flowers, leaves & other decorative motifs is stitched onto a cloth piece designed as a wall hanging, garden & bead umbrella, lamp shade and other utility items.
Cane is used for making Sofas, hand bags, file covers, pen stands, containers and decorative items etc.
The word ‘Dungar’ means hill in kandha language.The designs usually woven on the shawls, walls, also called ‘kapadaganda’ symbolizing their identity.With Govt. support ‘Dungaria kandha’ received a GI (Geographical Indication) tag , bringing economic and social benefits.
The Gond tribe is one of India’s prominent indigenous communities though its population is smaller in our state. The Gonds take great pride in their art, rich culture and tradition. Their art skillfully portrays animals, birds, human figures, hunting scenes and traditional dances.
Juang is one of the ancient tribe among the 13 tribes found in Odisha. In their language Juang means human being. The base area of Gonasika Mountain is the origin of Juang tribe. They have a strong belief that the painting portrayed on the wall protect them from many hazards. They usually paint birds ,animals, trees, fish and their religious beliefs on the walls using natural resources like white soil, black soil, red soil.
Kolha is the pre-mordial tribe of odisha. On various occasions like Raja, Makara and marriages, they paint their houses with various colors black,yellow, white and red which they obtain from mother nature. They portray God, their lifestyle and their behavior on the walls.
The tribe Kandha counts the largest number of tribe in Odisha. In the language of kandha, ‘Kutia’ means pit. These ancient tribes inhabits in the area of Belagarh in Kandhamal and Lanjigarh in Kalahandi. The drawings made by Kutia kandhas are very simple and called ‘TIKANGA KUDA’ in their language. This art is made by only ladies in the tribe. They use rice flour and make various colors using red soil, balck soil, Cow dung, Charcoal etc. They make elegant pattern of traingles and dots with their fingers.
Santal painting is a traditional tribal art form practiced by the Santal community, primarily in Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar. This art is deeply connected to the Santals’ agrarian lifestyle, seasonal festivals, and spiritual beliefs. The paintings are typically created by women during festivals like Sohrai (celebrating cattle and harvest) and Baha (a festival honoring flowers and nature), where they depict scenes of daily life, hunting, farming, animals, music, dance, and nature. The dynamic Santal dance, often shown in circular or rhythmic formations, is a central theme.Traditionally, these paintings are executed on the mud walls of homes using natural materials such as red and white clay, charcoal, and plant-based pigments. The bold, geometric patterns and vibrant colors reflect a deep connection with the environment and are believed to invoke protection, fertility, and blessings from ancestral spirits. The art is not just decorative but carries symbolic meaning, often linked to the tribe’s rituals and spiritual practices.
Pattachitra is a painting done on handmade canvas (Patti) or tasar cloth and is manifested by rich colourful application, creative motifs, and designs, and portrayal of simple themes, mostly mythological in depiction. Excellent utility products such as jewellery box, lamp shed, pen stands are developed now a days by mixing pattachtira patterns with other materials such as wood, terracotta, plywood etc. Now a days painted saress grows with its popularity.
Tumba craft is a traditional art form from Odisha, particularly practiced in the Kendrapara district, where artisans skillfully transform gourds (known as Tumba) into a variety of functional and decorative items. The craft involves harvesting, drying, and hollowing out the gourd, followed by intricate carving and painting. Tumba craft items include utensils, decorative pieces, and ritual objects, often adorned with natural dyes and patterns inspired by nature, animals, and local folklore.Traditionally used in cultural ceremonies and festivals, Tumba craft holds symbolic significance, representing fertility and prosperity. Today, the craft has gained popularity in contemporary decorative arts, with eco-friendly designer lamps, bowls, and vases becoming popular both locally and internationally. The sustainable nature of Tumba craft makes it a unique and important part of Odisha’s rich cultural heritage.
Black Dhokra crafts is a kind of Dhokra metal casting known for its traditional unique type practiced by the artisans of Kandhamal district of Odisha. The craft is mainly known for its distinctive dark colour that made up with the lost wax casting technique by using brass and intricate wax wirework to create both decorative and functional pieces.
Odisha's copper craft is a vibrant art form, encompassing a range of products from decorative items to essential kitchenware, traditional utensils, and copper snakes especially. Earlier this crafts were identical with the iron crafts of Koraput district and covered under metal crafts but the unique crafts traditions of Gudvelipadar village, Boudh district, Odisha, where skilled artisans craft intricate copper snake sculptures separate it & accommodate a unique feature of Boudh District in Odisha.
The "flexible brass fish" or “pitala macha” handcrafted by local artisans of Belaguntha, a remote area in Ganjam District, Odisha. It is a unique and ancient craft form crafted in brass sculptures & known for their fish like, flexible movements, are a testament to the craftsmanship skill of brass and bell metal workers.
Nalia grass grows in the mangrove forests of Odisha, particularly around the Bhitarkanika National Park, and other rural parts of Kendrapada District. The local artisans produce items like containers, mats, decorative items etc. With a distinctive intricate craftsmanship of this craft separated from Natural Material craft.
Sisal fibre craft in Nuapada, Odisha, involves using the strong and durable fibres extracted from sisal leaves to create various handcrafted items. These crafts include items like mats, bags, and other decorative or functional objects, showcasing the versatility of the natural fibre distinguish it as a sustainable craft.
Hensuati craft, also known as santara grass craft, is a traditional craft in Bhadrak district, Odisha, that utilizes the Hensuati plant (Cyperus alopecuroides Rottb.). The delicate and culturally significant handicrafts created by rural community artisans by using this plant which commonly found near water bodies. The handcrafted items are important for cultural and religious purposes also maintain the livelihoods of the local population earlier comes under natural material craft now separated for its distinctiveness.