Tribal Ornaments

Women from the tribal areas of Chhattisgarh wear a range of jewellery. These include, silver necklaces called suta, nose ring known as phuli, bali and khuntis as earrings, ainthi, worn on the forearm along with patta, choora or bangles, kardhani, worn on the waist, pounchhi, for the upper arm, and bicchiya for toes. These are made of gold, silver, bronze or mixed metal. Ornaments made of beads, cowries and feathers are also popular in tribal areas. You can buy samples of these jewellery in Raipur.

Tribal Ornaments

Kosa Fabric

The state is famous for its textiles, including raw silk fabrics woven by the tribals of Bastar. These are made of Kosa silk thread obtained from silk worms found in the forests of the state. Kosa silk is hand woven and hand printed. The hand printing is generally done with the natural vegetable dyes. Shop for Kosa sarees, dress materials and drapes.

Kosa Fabric

Wall Painting

A prominent art form of Chhattisgarh, Gond wall painting isn't only an artistic expression but is part of the state's living history. Gonds, one of the oldest tribal communities of India, paint their walls with vibrant depictions of local flora, fauna and gods such as Marahi Devi and Phulvari Devi (Goddess Kali). These paintings are also associated with rituals. They are colourful and are made using natural dyes. In Raipur, you can shop for wall hangings, lampshades and other home décor items with Gond painting.

Wall Painting

Dhokra

An icon of Chhattisgarh, this popular craft is mostly practised in the Bastar and Raigarh districts of the state. Tribal artisans craft bell metal (using brass and bronze) items in the traditional lost wax or hollow casting technique. Dhokra is one of the oldest forms of metal casting. Such products have intricate designs featuring local deities, flora, fauna, sun, moon and jungles.

The process involves covering the wax is layers of clay to make a cast. Liquid metal is poured into the core through a funnel that is placed at the top of the mould. When the metal (mostly brass) is cooled, the clay is chipped off and metal is polished and painted to make the final product. All the Dhokra products are unique and cannot be replicated.

Dhokra

Wood Craft

Bastar, the tribal heartland of Chhattisgarh, is noted for several handicrafts, including woodcraft. Skilled craftsmen of the state use teak wood, rosewood, whitewood among others to create various craft items. One can also shop for wooden home décor items in Raipur like pipes, masks, window frames, doors and sculptures.

Wood Craft

Bamboo Work

Tribal craftsmen of Chhattisgarh have been making several types of utilitarian and home décor items with bamboo since ages. Bamboo is available in abundance in the state and traditional products include agricultural implements, fishing traps, hunting tools and baskets. You can shop for bamboo wall hangings, table lamps and table mats.

Some of the tribes that are known for their exquisite bamboo work are Gond, Baiga, Basor (Basod) and Korku. This craft was originally practised by them as a past time and to make products to meet their daily requirements. Bamboo product-making is basically a household industry that does not use mechanical devices.

Bamboo Work