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Trove of artefacts
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The Artisan's Craft Treasure 2003, presented by SIPA, showcases a plethora of products by craftspersons from the four Southern States. On at Sri Sankara Hall, TTK Road, till December 8.
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THE ARTISAN'S Craft Treasure 2003 adds value to craft items in more ways than one, be it in terms of quality or innovation.
The exhibits at the mela, range from bronze lamps, icons and artefacts to burnt wood engravings, Pulicat's fine basketry, copper sculptures and a host of other utilitarian crafts, which have been created by producer groups and cooperatives from the four Southern States.
The emphasis is on fair trade practice, moderate pricing, with the craftspersons selling directly to the consumers through the South India Producer's Association (SIPA), a federation of several NGOs, producer groups and cooperatives. Drawn from 20 states, the crafts on display are high value, wide-ranging in appeal.
Exquisite sandalwood carving, vegetable dyed lacquer toys, wrought iron candles and lamp stands, bronze icons, handmade Kolhapuri chappals, palm leaf items, incense, handmade paper lamp shades, ceramic tableware, terracotta pottery and herbal products are on display. The craftspersons mostly belong to the marginalised sections of society and are helped by SIPA through an active programme in capacity building, quality improvement and marketing of products both at home and abroad.
SIPA is supported by the Office of the Development Commissioner of Handicrafts and works closely with its regional office in Chennai and its Marketing Extension Centres in South India. With Christmas and New Year round the corner, this is a perfect time to drop in at Artisan's Crafts Treasure for gifts. The Hoysala style bronze sculptures and lamps with their lyrical lines and curves created by Shrushti's ( Bangalore) mastercraftspersons are a metaphor for grace. Kasuti embroidered Ilkal saris and beautifully conceptualised copper birds and sculptures in the modern idiom by a Cholamandal artist are some of the outstanding exhibits on view. For Christmas decorations, the exhibition offers colourful palm leaf boxes, Chennapatna birds and toys, terracotta mobiles and fragrant flower embedded designer candles from Pondicherry.
Papier-mâché and terracotta figurines and garden lamps are the other attractions at the sale, which is on at Sri Sankara Hall, TTK Road, till December 8.
PUSHPA CHARI
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