Handicrafts
have always been a remarkable feature of Indian art and crafts. Andhra
Pradesh is yet another great site offering ample astounding handicrafts.
The artisans still make these extraordinary handicrafts with dexterity.
Whether it is needle craft or bronze castings, metal craft or stone
craft, Andhra Pradesh has a wide array of handicrafts that can become a
part of your lifestyle. The eminence of these handicrafts lies in their
traditional method of creation. These handicrafts are loved and adored
not only by Indians, but people from all parts of the world. Many
inhabitants of the state still rely on the handicraft industry. Scroll
down to get more information about the famous handicrafts of Andhra
Pradesh.Banjara Needle Crafts
The embroidery and mirror work, created by the 'Banjaras' (Gypsies) on fabrics, have become the part of each person's wardrobe in India. These people employ their dexterity in needle craft and create incredible designs on clothes. This work of art is known for its intricate and colorful designs.
Budithi Brassware
In Srikakulam district, Budithi is a small village that is known for its astonishing brassware. The items carved out of alloys range from traditional to modern ones. The exclusive art articulates in the form of traditional utensils and contemporary pots. Brass is commonly used to make the objects. These objects are adorned with geometric patterns and floral designs.
Durgi Stone Craft
Durgi is a small town, located at a distance of 10 km from Macherla. The traditional skill of making sculptures is still practiced and taught at the School of Sculpture and Stone Carving situated here. From generation to generation, these skills have been passed and the ancient methods are still observed to create the masterpieces of art.
Veena Manufacturing
'Veena' is the one amongst the oldest musical instruments of India. No composition of Carnatic music is complete without the cadence of this instrument. Bobbili town is much acclaimed for manufacturing Veena. The instruments made here are known for their fullness of tone. Moreover, they are available in different designs and patterns.
Bidri Craft
Bidri craft is another craft that serves as the pride of Andhra Pradesh. This unique art of silver inlay on metal has always been enthralling people with its lure. The historical events reveal that this craft was brought by Iran migrants to India. The artisans practiced this art and brought it on the world wide panorama. In the present day, Bidri craft has been customized to produce cufflinks, name plates and many more things.
Dokra Metal Crafts
Dokra Metal craft is quite prevalent in the tribal regions of Andhra Pradesh. In Adilabad district, the places like Chittalbori and Ushegaon are the main promoters of this art. The notable fact about Dokra craft is that each piece is different from the other. All the objects are created niftily by hand, boasting of individualistic touch. Dokra craft produces objects like figurines, horses, drummers, atypical spoons and tribal Gods.
Nirmal Arts
Nirmal town of Adilabad district is known for its wide range of handicrafts. The skilled craftsmen make the objects appear authentic with their brilliant use of colors and traditional techniques of creating objects. The colors are extracted from the natural dyes. The popular 'Moghul' miniatures are made on 'Ponniki', which is a soft white wood. It is further strengthened with coatings of tamarind seed paste, fine muslin and pipe clay.
Bronze Castings
Andhra Pradesh has been known world-wide for its amazing Bronze castings. These castings require special skills to create incredible idols. The craftsmen are required to study details of the 'Shilpashastra'. The aesthetics of the idols are made by their physical measurements, proportions, description of the deity, characteristics and symbolism. While exercising solid casting of icons, the mould is prepared by several coatings of different clay on a finished wax model. This process provides the fine curves to the cast-image.
Kondapalli Toys
Kondapalli toys are famous for being eco-friendly and different from others. Made out of softwood, known as 'Tella Poniki', the toys of Kondapalli utilize sawdust, tamarind seed powder, enamel gums and watercolors in their creation. As and when a toy is carved out from wood, it is further shaped with a paste made of tamarind, wood and sawdust. After the whole process, 'Sudda' (white lime) is applied on the toy and then, it is left for a day or two to dry. Subsequently, the artists paint the toys in different colors, indicating the character of the image.
Lacquer Ware
In Andhra Pradesh, Etikoppaka is famous for its amazing lacquer ware. This craft involves application of lacquer on wood. Lacquering could be done either by hand or machine. The hand-lathe is preferred to shape delicate items. The lac is applied when the objects get arid. In this process, the lacstick is hard-pressed against the woodenware meant to be lacquered. Since the object keeps on revolving, the friction generates heat, which softens the lac and facilitates the color to get stick. With the help of brush, designs are painted on the figures, objects and toys. The lac bangle is the most popular lacquerware that also comes embellished with stones, beads, glass and mirrors.
