The handicrafts of rural Bengal are more than regular items. They emanate an intoxicating smell of the red soil, taking the mind through narrow paths lost amidst vast crop fields. They also convey the patience and dedication of the people of this soil. With each item displayed at the three-day Lokshilpa O Karukriti Mela at Jorasanko Thakurbari, Kolkata, held recently, was associated such deep emotions.

Paschim Medinipore’s Radhagobindo Maity has etched out little birds sitting on a branch, shrimps with a network of elaborate snouts, peacock tails carved with intricate floral designs — all out of buffalo horns. It is unbelievable that a buffalo horn consists of so many subtle but distinct shades unless one witnesses these works of art.

A clay model of Lord Radha-Krishna that was on display dates almost 200-300 years back. “The model has been freshly painted but the mould used, has been there for generations. You will not find something so original anywhere else,” said artist Gautam Das from North 24 Parganas. The deities were depicted in their original traditional form. Lord Krishna in blue, playing the flute with his legs crossed and Radha in bright yellow standing beside him. Both have beautifully expressive eyes, though drawn in simple lines.

Gopal Bhar, the iconic court jester from medieval Bengal, with an ilish in one hand and a bucket of rasgullas in the other; a group of Vaishnavas lost in a devotional trance; Lord Radha-Krishna in terracotta; a newly-wed Bengali couple with the groom and bride in sparkly conical headgears — all from Nadia, standing in rows, came in a range of vivid colours and lighted up the space with their vibrant expressions.

Tribesmen and women revelling and playing khols and trumpets, a common festive sight of rural Bengal — captured as brass wall hangings makes for a dignifying piece to adorn one’s drawing room. “The metal is melted in the kiln and given the desired shape. It involves working with fire and hence is a risky job,” said Bachan Karmakar, a dokra artist from Bankura.

A uniquely shaped bowl in brass, used traditionally for holding rice, especially during Lakshmi Puja, where rice is one of the most significant offering, was also in display. “This has lost its utility nowadays. Still we made this one piece as it is priceless for its traditional value and is not available anymore,” said Karmakar.

There were a variety of other models in dokra from Hindu deities like Goddess Saraswati, Durga, Lord Ganesha to elephants and birds and also jewelleries.
Wood carving artist Bhakta Bhadra from Burdwan is madly passionate about music. Curious passer-bys are not only drawn to see the beautifully carved royal and mythological figures in wood but also to listen to the dreamy tune of his flute and ektara.

All the artists present who were displaying their works are associated with their respective crafts for generations and continue to pass on their skills. Most of them have been recognised and appreciated for their works in a national level. According to Karmakar, nearly 150 families in his village are depended upon Dokra craft for their livelihood.

However, the natural purity that was involved in the process of making and painting the clay models is lost with time. Previously, the colour used to paint was made from natural items like tamarind paste and arrowroot and involved a lengthy process.

Nowadays fibre paints are used. Earlier, a model used to be exclusively made from soil but now plaster of Paris and fibre clay are added to it. They aren’t as durable as before. But the tradition still goes strong and has created a niche in the modern urban lifestyle.