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Art & Crafts in Orissa
Orissa has an
art and craft that are the products of a long historical
process in which the spiritual, philosophical and the
human dimensions have merged to yield the finest effects
of a cultured and civilized life. This art and craft
only have made the state a land of rich and diverse
artistic achievements.
The cultural heritage of Orissa is reflected in its
vibrant art forms. Having distinct traditions of
painting, architecture, sculpture, handicrafts, music
and dance, Orissa boasts of a long and rich cultural
heritage.
Due to the reigns of many different rulers, the
culture, arts and crafts of the state underwent many
changes, imitations, assimilations and new creations
from time to time. Yet, the artistic skill of the Oriya
artists is unsurpassable in the world.
Famous for its appliqué items, Pipli- the fare attracts
thousands of visitors round the year and offers a gala
of alluring handicrafts. Silver filigree has also been
an important export item of Orissa from ancient times
and has been a symbol of the summit of excellence
reached by Orissan craftsmen. The exquisitely carved
stone sculptures, embellished on the walls of the
ancient shrines and monuments attest the artistry of
those sculptors who perfected the skill through
centuries of disciplined efforts. The progeny of these
artisans who built the magnificent temples of Mukteswar,
Lingaraj, Jagannath and Sun God at Konark, have kept
alive the sculptural heritage of their forefathers and
their apt hands still continue to chisel and carve exact
replicas of the original temple sculptures besides
producing a variety of other items. |
