The handicrafts of Orissa have a rich tradition and these handicrafts are stunning in their simplicity and beauty. The model, style, design, method and the intricate workmanship of the handicrafts of Orissa have endowed them with a unique charm. There are lot many of handicraft traditions in Orissa. Some of the world famous handicrafts are patta chitra, stone carving, silver filigree, metal work and woodwork.

Metal Works

The most important craft of Orissa is the brass and metal craft or dhokra. This craft is practiced by Kansaris, Sithulias and Balkati tribes. The idols of Radha, Krishna, Ganesha, Vishnu, and Gopal, bells, lamps and lamp stands are some of the popular products of brass handicrafts in Orissa. Dhokra casting is a folk craft and the materials used also contain miscellaneous scraps of other metals. The most popular motifs are human heads, kings, miniature elephant, etc.

Silver Filigree Works

The silver filigree work is the queen of all the handicrafts of Orissa. It is also called tarakasi. The Cuttack district is famous for this craft. The craftsman bends the wire into different designs and shapes, and solders them with pincer and scissors. High quality of silver is used for this craft. The items manufactured are ornaments, like brooches, ear pendants, anklets, hairpins, bangles, tiepins and cufflinks, and decorative items like boats, replicas of temples, horses, elephants and other animals and chariots. Utility items like cups, bowls, glasses, belas for feeding milk to children and incense containers are also created through silver filigree works.

Stone Works

One of the major forms of handicrafts of Orissa is the stone carving. The archaeological monuments, rock-cut sculptures in caves and temples, and carved statues are the best examples of the efforts of artisans of yore. The Sun Temple at Konark, and as well as the magnificent temples of Parasurameswar, Mukeswar, Lingaraj, showcase the best of Orissa's sculptural traditions. The popular motifs used in sculptures are alas kanyas, surasundaris, salabhanjikas, the tier of Konark, Konark horse, navagrahas, gajasimha and gajabidda. This handicraft is practiced mainly at Puri, Bhubaneshwar and Lallitgiri in Cuttack.

Wood Work

Another important form of handicrafts of Orissa is the woodwork. This is classified into three sub-groups like plain woodcarving, painted woodcarving and wood turned items. Carvings done on a soft creamish wood called ghambari or white teak, comes under plain wood carving group. This is mostly practiced in Cuttack. Wooden toys of Puri, Bargarh masks, idols and chariot decorations come under the painted woodcarving. Small pitchers with mango leaves and coconut, and glass bowls are the products of the third group. The artisans use rosewood for the wood turned items.

Applique Works

Sewing of patches on a large cloth creates this work. This work is generally found on pillow covers, ladies handbags, umbrellas and lampshades.

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