CHISELLING CRUDE designs in bamboo is their profession. And as the trend goes, these peculiar designs are much in demand. This demand has made their art popular in the city within a few days.
Craftspersons Santosh Kumar Dubey and Omvati, who belong to a tribal village in Madhya Pradesh, are in town with their articles made of bamboo to be sold in the city at Sharad Mela. Calling themselves to be Dhulia tribals, the duo are seen chiselling traditional designs on various parts of bamboo tree, including the bark, and of course the root which is their favourite item to work upon.
Besides, they also make caps of a particular type of grass which grows in their area. "We make the showpieces with the help of bamboo bark. However, we are expert in giving various shapes to the roots of bamboo," said Santosh.
As far as the maintenance is concerned the craftsmen are quite sure that the bamboo is not in need of any extra care. However, polishing could become handy to give it an extra shine. "It is quite common for us to spend at least eight days in making one piece which is usually a foot-long. Since we are tribals and strongly believe in our tribal gods and goddesses, most of the designs are chiselled while keeping them in mind. The designs also closely relate to our festivals and rituals," he said.
The artist duo is in the city for the first time and they are quite overwhelmed with the response they are receiving here. "To be frank, we have acquired much recognition here in the city, even more than we expected to receive in our hometown. The uniqueness of our item is what has made it so special," said Omvati.
{{/usCountry}}The artist duo is in the city for the first time and they are quite overwhelmed with the response they are receiving here. "To be frank, we have acquired much recognition here in the city, even more than we expected to receive in our hometown. The uniqueness of our item is what has made it so special," said Omvati.
{{/usCountry}}"We are, however, sure that those passionate about collecting such items will treasure it since we know we are not charging much," said Santosh.
The craftsmen also teach the art form to other aspiring artistes as well.
However, they are quite dissatisfied with the response of the government. "All we have received till now is a simple certificate and nothing else, and we have lost hopes of receiving any kind of financial aid in future," said Omvati.