K.V. Gopinathan, an artisan from Keralam says that he is one of the last craftsmen to know the art of carving and painting on horns of bulls and oxen. “While there were initially over 30,000 persons who used to practice the art, there are now only about 15 of us who continue to make and sell such handicrafts,” said the craftsman, who was a recipient of an award from the Central government. He is one of the 65 craftsmen who are participating in the annual handicrafts expo organised by the Small Industries Product Promotion Organisation (SIPPO), under way at the Tamukkam Grounds here.
Among the handicrafts Mr. Gopinathan makes, which are on display at the expo, are flower vases and ornamental showpieces in the shapes of fish and peacocks which are carved out of animal horns.
An artisan from Nammakal, who makes stone utensils, K. Kanthasamy says that while there are lesser number of people now involved in making them, the demand for them has increased. “There was a slump a few years back when people switched to modern utensils but they are now coming back to using ‘kal chatti’ or stone vessels to cook for their look and flavour. We have also begun to work in accordance with custom-made requirements of out customers and fashion jars, pots and vessels with lids accordingly,” he said, while adding that the few existing craftsmen were now teaching youngsters who were interested. “Since this is back in demand, there will be a strong livelihood for people who know the craft and we are encouraging people to learn,” he added. Leather puppets and lampshades from Andhra Pradesh, products made of banana fibres, coir mats, terracotta crafts and tribal jewellery are among the products on display. Among the newer line of crafts are light weight jewellery made through quilling paper and jute bags.
Speaking about the exhibition, which will be conducted till October 7, Palanivel Murugan, General Manager of SIPPO, said that the annual expo was planned as a large showcase for craftsmen from across the country.
