Demand for traditional craft among Adivasis surges

resurgence of adivasi culture boosts creativity among traditional artisans

Rich heritage: An Ojha artisan displaying the wax model of Bhimalpen horse.

A minor resurgence of Adivasi culture witnessed during the last few months in the old undivided Adilabad district has provided scope for the traditional Ojha artisans to indulge in creativity. Due to the phenomenon ensuring good sales during the Dandari-Ghusadi festival gone by and also holding out the promise of the trend to continue in the religious season ahead, the Dhokra brass metal artisans are making artefacts which they had discontinued to produce since about three decades.

The 100 Ojha families, a sub tribe of the Raj Gond Adivasis found in Keslaguda, Ushegaon and Jamgaon of Kumram Bheem Asifabad district and Tamsi mandal of Adilabad district, manufacture brass metal items using the lost wax technique since centuries. The artisans traditionally manufacture only items like lamps and bells of different sizes used by the Raj Gonds and Kolam tribe in agriculture and religious activity.

Good sales

“We have had a good Dandari season which saw ankle bells or ‘ghagra’ used by the Dandari and Ghusadi dancers being sold in thousands. The heavy demand for ghungroo bells is an indicator that traditional products will have a good market especially in the ensuing Nagoba jatara at Keslapur village in Indervelli mandal of Adilabad district,” asserted artisan Madavi Bhujang Rao who apparently has earned sufficient money after the good sales of ankle bells to enable him to experiment with adding variety to his artefacts.

The Ojhas also sold Tichpalli Ghumela, the percussion musical instrument played during the Dandari dance. This piece was purchased by the Adivasis of Nagalgondi in Kerameri mandal in the district.

Traditional artefacts

“This is Bhimalpen Khodang, or the horse which god Bhim rode, which I am making in anticipation of finding a buyer,” Mr. Bhujang disclosed exhibiting the beautiful wax model of the product that is in the making. “This artefact, mostly used by Kolams is being made after decades,” he pointed out.

Among other articles which are being made after decades Jangubai Dolara Janvar or a small brass settee used to seat the revered goddess Jangubai. “I am also making the Pothra or the sacred rod used in religious activities by Raj Gonds,” the Dhokra artisan added.

High price

As the ghagra have been popular, the Ojhas are making Persa Pen Ghagra or the ankle bells for Persa Pen or Bada Dev.

The Bhimalik Chat Ghagra is also being made for Bhimal Pen or god Bhim. All the artefacts are costly by Adivasi standards. For example, the Bhimal Pen horse will cost in excess of ₹ 2,000 and the Jangubai Dolara Janvar will cost around ₹ 1,500, according to the artisans.