Handicrafts of Goa | Goa State PSC (GPSC) Preparation - GPSC (Goa) PDF Download

Handicrafts in Goa

• Indian words for handicrafts in Goa include hastkala, hastshilp, dastkari, and karigari, emphasizing the handiwork and specialized artisanal skills involved.
• These crafts embody a fusion of utility and artistry, where aesthetic appeal plays a crucial role, transcending mere functionality.
• Crafts in Goa are intricately linked to concepts of form, pattern, design, and purpose, culminating in their overall aesthetic charm.
• Local artisans in Goa exhibit their craftsmanship by crafting items from materials like coconut husks, palm leaves, brass, and wood, embellishing them with vibrant paints.
• These handmade articles stand out as key attractions of Goa, showcasing the region's rich artisanal heritage.
• Goan handicrafts not only sustain the livelihoods of local communities but also significantly bolster the tourism sector in the region.
• The allure of Goan crafts extends globally, with markets reaching countries such as Austria, Switzerland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
• Recognizing the soaring international demand for Goan crafts, the Goan government has recently intensified efforts to enhance the local handicraft industry.
• The Goa Handicrafts, Rural & Small Scale Industries Development Corporation (GHRSSIDC), established in 1980, stands as a pivotal organization promoting and facilitating the distribution of Goan handicrafts through various outlets.

Diverse Categories of Goa Handicrafts

• Brass Work: Artisans in Goa exhibit exquisite craftsmanship in brass, creating ornate and intricate pieces that reflect the region's cultural heritage.
• Wooden Lacquerware: The art of wooden lacquerware involves intricate designs painted with vibrant colors on wooden surfaces, showcasing a blend of skill and creativity.
• Papier Mache: This delicate art form involves the use of paper pulp to create intricate and decorative items, reflecting the artistic finesse of Goan craftsmen.
• Bamboo Craft: Artisans in Goa skillfully transform bamboo into various utilitarian and decorative items, showcasing the versatility of this sustainable material.
• Terracotta Pottery: Goan potters mold terracotta clay into a myriad of functional and artistic pieces, each bearing the imprint of traditional craftsmanship.
• Woodcarving: The art of woodcarving in Goa showcases intricate designs and motifs, reflecting the region's rich cultural heritage and skilled artisanal traditions.
• Seashell Craft: Artisans in Goa creatively use seashells to craft decorative items and jewelry, highlighting the region's coastal influences on its handicrafts.
• Goan Tribal Art: Tribal art in Goa reflects the cultural richness and diversity of the region, with artisans infusing traditional motifs and techniques into their creations.
• Coir Products: Derived from coconut husks, coir products in Goa range from mats to baskets, showcasing the sustainable use of natural resources in handicrafts.

Coir Products

• Coir products are a traditional form of handicraft in Goa, made from coconut husk which is extracted expertly by locals from coconut shells.
• These products include specially knotted mats, hand-made hats, masks, and tough ropes.
• Additionally, coconut husk is utilized in creating a variety of items such as ashtrays, lamp shades, coasters, chandeliers, curtains, pot hangers, table mats, mirror frames, shopping bags, and ladies purses.

Jute Macrame Craft

• Jute, a natural fiber made of cellulose and lignin, is commonly used by Goan craftsmen to craft decorative items like bags, belts, wall hangings, lamp shades, flower pots, hangers, shopping bags, and purses.
• Known for its strength, jute is regarded as one of the best fibers for creating unique crafts in India.

Brass Work

• Artisans in Goa specialize in crafting brass into a variety of items, showcasing exceptional skill and artistry.
• Products range from hanging oil lamps, statues, candle stands, to the renowned lamp Samai, a tree-shaped oil lamp adorned with floral designs.
• These craftsmen demonstrate a mastery of hand-moulding brass, achieving a simplicity and beauty that surpasses even modern manufacturing methods.

Bamboo Craft

• This traditional art originates from the remote rural regions of Goa, created by the Mahar community, and is considered one of the oldest art forms in the region.
• Bamboo and Crane crafts are versatile and can serve as beautiful decorative pieces in homes.
• Initially, this craft was primarily focused on crafting bamboo carriers and baskets tailored for farmers and fishermen. These items were used for transporting coconut, rice, paddy, fish, and flowers.
• With Goa evolving into a prominent tourist destination, the art expanded to include a range of decorative items like flower pots, baskets, pen stands, lightweight furniture, and letter holders.

Various Handicrafts in Goa

• Wooden Lacquer-ware: This craft encompasses a variety of items such as toys, corner stands, baby carts, and cradles made from wood.
• Papier-mâché: Artisans create wall hangings, flower vases, jewellery boxes, and pen stands from recycled paper.
• Terracotta Pottery: Skilled craftsmen produce flower pots, ashtrays, floral designs, and idols of deities using mud as their primary medium.
• Woodcarving: Artists craft photo frames, idols, mirror frames, bookshelves, and boxes from wood, showcasing intricate designs and patterns.
• Sea-shell and Coconut Craft: Creative pieces are made using sea shells and coconuts, adding a unique coastal touch to the handicrafts.
• Crochet and Embroidery: Handmade tablecloths, garments for children and ladies, pillow covers, cushion covers, linen, and curtains are intricately crafted from delicate cotton or silk threads.

The allure and exquisite beauty of these handcrafted items attract visitors, encouraging them to make purchases. Moreover, these crafts play a significant role in generating employment opportunities for the villagers and tribal communities in Goa.

The Goa Handicrafts Rural & Small Scale Industries Development Corporation (GHRSSIDC LTD) 

Establishment and Legal Status

• The GHRSSIDC, a Government of Goa Undertaking, was founded in 1980.
• It operates under the regulations of the Companies Act, 1956.

Main Objectives

• The primary goal of GHRSSIDC is to produce and market items from rural, cottage, handicraft, village industries, and handloom & textile sectors.
• It aims to provide support, guidance, and marketing assistance, including access to export markets, for products from handicrafts, rural, small scale, village & cottage industries.
• GHRSSIDC supports artisans in Goa through various initiatives and programs.

Operational Activities

• GHRSSIDC operates emporia in Goa and Delhi to showcase and sell artisan-made handicrafts, thereby generating income for the artists.
• It boosts Small Scale Industries through schemes like the PPS or rate contract, supplying various goods to government departments from registered SSI units in Goa.
• Designated as the State Agency for coal distribution under the new Coal Distribution Policy of the Government of India, GHRSSIDC supplies coal to small and medium industrial units with specific annual requirements.
• The corporation has a significant presence in the retail steel market, dealing in products from companies like Steel Authority of India Limited, Essar, and Jindal Steel Works.