Lac craft dying a slow death
Newindpress (subscription), India
NABARANGPUR, April 22: The tribal-dominated backward district of Nabarangpur has gained international repute for its traditional lac handicraft. However, due to lack of patronage, it is feared that the art might soon become extinct.Lac, which is the main base of this form of handicraft, was earlier available in plenty in the district. But with gradual shrinking of jungles, artisans now depend on adjacent districts for the raw material.
The lac craft here is considered unique not only in India but also abroad. Nabarangpur artisans make lac boxes, chains, toys, sticks and other decorative products.
The most famous of them is the lac boxes. Lac threads embossed with different colours are used on lac painted base and artistic designs are drawn using lac threads on the surface of the box. Nabarangpur work is also famous for its coloured lac melted in the form of threads to produce different lac ware.
But today the art form is limited only to the Sankhari community in the district. With a population of 500, the community has been maintaining their livelihood through the lac work. Earlier, the community members adorned the palaces of ‘maharajas’ and ‘zamindars’ on festive occasions with lac ware.
The community witnessed a golden period during the 60s and 70s. A society was formed through which the lac products were marketed. The demand increased to such an extent that the society at times could not meet the orders. Besides, this also got the artists several State and National awards.
However, over the years, condition of the society deteriorated with decline in patronage and financial assistance.
The artisans suffered in the absence of marketing facilities. And this condition continues till date.
The artisans opined that if the Government did not encourage the craft and the artisans, then it would become difficult for them to keep the art form alive.