Tourism
of Goa
Shopping
in Goa
HandicraftsGovernment
Emporia for local Art & Handicraft
Goa does not lag behind as
far as local arts and crafts are concerned and with the superb craftsmanship
of the local artisans has managed to carve out a niche for itself in this
highly competitive field.
It can be said that artistic talent
virtually runs in Goan blood, which is manifested, in many artistic crafts
that have attained commercial proportions over the years.
Local
artists make excellent souvenirs from a wide range of materials. These items
are crafted by professional artisans in their ethnic ambience in the rural
areas, and also by artisans working at the arts and crafts complexes run by
the government.
The products are sold through various handicraft
emporia and at stalls at all the major tourist spots. The art and craft of
Goa is the product of the aesthetic blend of Portuguese and Indian cultures.
The crafts of the state are intricately beautiful, capturing the
fancies of tourists and locals alike. These crafts are a mirror of Goa's
perennial beauty and they have won critical acclaim of the connoisseurs of
the art world.
Goan lace is here, as are colourful masks, cotton
bags, wooden toys and the excellent shopping bags and table mats woven from
sisal or banana, coconut or pineapple fibre.
The best items are
perhaps the fabulous terracotta and brass items from Bicholim. Items made
from exquisite sea shells ranging from chandeliers to mirrors to idols are
also much in demand.
The major art forms of the state include
bamboo craft, woodcarving, brass metals, seashell craft, Papier-Mache, and
wooden lacquer ware. Other important crafts are Jute Macrame, Fabric
Collage, Plaster of Paris, Crochet and embroidery, fiber and Batik prints,
fiber stone carving, Coconut shell carving, metal embossing, silver and
imitation jewelry, cotton dolls, soft toys, woolen tapestry, and artistic
weaving.
Pottery & Terracota: These are traditional
crafts with utility-cum-decorative items produced by the potters with
artistic perfection and realistic finish. The items produced with this craft
include flower garden pots, bowls with floral designs, figures of Saints,
Gods' and Goddesses' and animals, ashtrays and penholders, etc.
Brass
Metal Ware: While utensils of utility are made of sheet metal (copper),
brass metal casting is a craft passed on from one generation to another
practised on hereditary basis. The items produced include oil lamps in
various designs, candle stands, temple towers, church bells, ashtrays, etc.
Wooden Laquerware/Wood Turning: Some of the most exquisite
items produced in Goan woodcraft include cradles, baby carts, toys, corner
stands, etc. which are used mostly by Hindu families on religious
occassions.
Crochet & Embroidery: Works such as
tablecloths, children and ladies garments, pillow and cushion covers, linen
form a breathtaking apparel range.
Bamboo Craft: One of the
major crafts industry of Goa. The list of popular Bamboo products include
flower baskets, mats, and letter-holders, pen stands, fans and other
decorative items.
Fibre Craft: Shopping bags, ladies
purses, coasters and wall hangings, and other essential accessory items used
in daily purposes are made of banana or sisal fibre and the major fibre
craft centre is situated in Corlim.
Jute Macrame Craft:
Jute craft is known to be one of the most unique crafts of India and items
such as decorative bags, belts, wall hangings, lamp shades, flower pots,
hangers, etc are popular Goan souvenirs.
Coconut Mask Carving &
Sea Shell Craft: Mask carving has got a whole new look in Goa as it is
done on coconut shells. Sea shell craft produces ashtrays, lamp shades,
coasters, chandeliers, curtains, pot hangers, table mats, clocks, mirror
frame, etc.
GHRSSIDC
The Goa Handicrafts, Rural &
Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Limited (GHRSSIDC), a
Government of Goa Undertaking, set up in 1980 performs the role of
encouraging, promoting and marketing the myriad of Goan handicrafts by
making these items available through its various outlets.
About
Goa