‘Green Ivory’ themed shola craft exhibition, an initiative designed and implemented by the German Consulate General of Kolkata and an NGO was inaugurated today and will continue till 19 July.
Thirty master artisans were selected to exhibit their craft from Alipurduar, Murshidabad, Birbhum, Nadia, Howrah and South 24-Parganas with a view to revive shola craft tradition of Bengal.
The conventional, graceful shola craft of Bengal is facing the threat of extinction. The exhibition aims at re-introduction of shola in place of thermocols on occasions such as Durga Puja, Christmas, as there is obvious lack of interest in this elegant craftsmanship among the younger generation.
Mr. Schrod, Deputy Consulate General said “This is a very special art that originated in West Bengal, which is full of culture and traditions, but is sadly on the verge of extinction as I have not witnessed any young person involved in this craftsmanship. I have full support for this beautiful art to revive again so that more people can master this craft.”
“Different art forms that are made using shola are presented here from North Bengal to Cooch Behar-Alipurduar’s ritualistic products. Rituals and shola have been linked for generations. Earlier the craft of shola got tremendous exposure and attention. With time, the interest has faded away among young people. We want to start afresh with the help of these extremely talented artistes,” said by Manas Acharya, Head of Design of the NGO.