PATHAR KAMA - STONE WORK

The rock cut caves of Khandagiri, Lalitgiri and Udayagiri,

and the Konark Sun Temple stand testimony to the rich
stone carving tradition of Orissa. The Shilpkar community
are the traditional specialists of this craft. With intervention
from government agencies people from other communities
have also taken up the craft, which is prevalent in almost all
districts of Orissa. Stone idols of Hindu deities, the Buddha,
and mythological characters are carved and stone carved
animal figures outside temples are a common sight.
Decorative sculptures depicting ment and women, animals
and birds are also made. Carved stone objects are
commissioned by temples in and around Orissa. Hotels and
emporia across the country also contribute to a high
demand of these sculptures.

1. Idol of a five headed Ganesha.

2. Sculpture of a tree nymph, the
tree and deer symbolizeing
fertility.
3. A reclining Ganesha idol inside a
conch shell.

Production Clusters
Khurda district:
Bhubaneshwar
Khandagiri
Puri district:
Puri
Balasore district:
Balasore
Cuttack district:
Cuttack
Products
Idols, Animal figures
Figures of apsaras
Tools
Karata - hand saw
Khat kas - tool for
drawing
Hatudi - hammer
Gunati - chisel
Thukka - wooden
hammer
Hata baresi - axe

PAPIER - MACHE
In Orissa, papier-mache masks and figurines are
inspired by the patachitra tradition. Mukha, masks,
are made by using a mould of clay and newspaper.
Paper and cloth rags are soaked and applied in layers
with locally made gum on the mould. Saw dust
mixed with gum is applied smoothly, dried and
burnished with sandpaper. As in patachitra painting,
the colours are made from seashells and rocks. The
detailing such as the outlines of the figure`s eyes in
red and black follows the patachitra styles. Masks of
deities, demons and animals are made for use in the
local folk and classical dance performances. The
figures and other products like dolls, pen stands and
lampshades are made in many sizes.

Production Clusters
Ganjam district:
Ganjam
Puri district:
Raghurajpur
Khurda distrct:
Bhubaneshwar
Products
Masks of gods
Masks of demons

1. Mask of a god.
2. Mask of a goddess
3. A tiger mask

Animal figures
Flexible dolls
Pen stand
Lampshades
Tools
Korani - spatula
Tulli - brush
Nadia sadhei - paint
container
Rubna - stone grinder
Pathra kadhi tamarind seed grinder