In order to protect the ancient art of silver filigree — making artefacts and ornaments by using silver wire — women belonging to the goldsmith community have taken up the art in Karimnagar town.
A total of 20 women underwent training in the making of silver artefacts by using the technology of silver filigree from February to June this year. After four months of rigorous training, including theory of drawing designs, use of wires and small pieces of silver to make various artefacts, the women have now turned experts in making silver filigree items.
Initially, the Telangana State Handicrafts Development Corporation (TSHDC) had imparted training to men for protection of the art. National and State award winner in silver filigree Sri Ramoju Nagaraju, who was trainer for the first batch, had, however, suggested involvement of women in the protection of the ancient art.
Accordingly, women had shown keen interest in the matter and emerged experts in the male-dominated art of making silver artefacts within four months of training.
They have started making new designs of silver artefacts which were made affordable to the common man. “Earlier, silver filigree artefacts weighing 500 grams to 5 kilograms cost lakhs and business was restricted to elite market. Now, with the involvement of women, the products are available from ₹1,000,” said Sri Ramoju Nagaraju, president of Sri Laxmi Narasimha silver filigree society.
Laxmi Prasanna, who underwent training in silver filigree for four months, said she had learned the art to support her husband in the art. “Training alone is not sufficient, the govt. should provide a work-shed and showroom to produce and market the products.”
