The nimble fingers of tribal women of Madhya Pradesh are creating stunning designs on wooden blocks following rigorous training by the Pedana-based renowned block makers K. Gangadhar and Narasayya.
At least seven women of the Gond tribe have been sent to Pedana to be groomed in block making. The Sant Ravidas Madhya Pradesh Hastashilp Evam Hathkargha Vikas Nigam Limited in collaboration with Mr. Gangadhar and his brother has conducted a two-week workshop here on wooden block making in which 16 artisans from Madhya Pradesh took part.
“The Gond tribal women have understood the technical aspects in the process of block making. Their creations are really wonderful and reflect their aesthetic sense,” opined Mr. Gangadhar, a presidential award winner. Seven of the 16 — Mankunwar Uikey, Rekha Thakur, Aneeta Thakur, Suman Thakur, Priyanka Thakur, Aasha Gond and Manobai Thakur — are Gond tribal women.
“We often carve shapes of deities and Hindu gods on wood. Our work is known as Nakashi in our State. Several techniques in block making helped us create floral and various designs on teakwood. Now, we have a deep understanding of preparation of drawing for any design,” Aasha Gond told The Hindu .
The Gond women said their regular chore of life is attending farm work. “We will concentrate on wooden block making in the absence of agriculture operations. Our State handicrafts development authorities are guaranteeing us orders. We are proud to be known as farmer-turned-artisan,” said Ms. Mankunwar Uikey.
MP Handicrafts Development Department’s Common Facility Centre, Hoshangabad Manager G.C. Warkhe said the MP government was planning to set up textile printing units in which the artisans would be accommodated.
