Cuttack: Shortage of raw materials and inflow of similar decorative pieces at low prices from neighbouring states have sounded a death knell for horncraft of the Silver City here.
The city once famous for exporting horn works to other states has now become a lucrative market for imported handicrafts.
Horncraft reached its zenith in the 1980s in the city. Hundreds of artisans of Ranihaat, Gaudasahi, Thoriasahi, Mallahsahi, Telisahi and Sagadiasahi had taken up horncraft for their livelihoods.
Combs and other decorative pieces including figurines of animals and birds carved from horns of buffalos and cattle became centre of attraction in many drawing rooms in Orissa and other parts of the country.
Artisans from the city used to procure at least two quintals of horns from various parts of the state dailyto meet the burgeoning demand. However, the 1990s saw an acute shortage of raw materials as craftsmen from other states started procuring horns from Orissa at high prices.
“Shortage of raw material for the past two decades has forced many artisans in the city to abandon horncraft. Taking advantage of the situation, craftsmen from other states started selling their products in Orissa,” said senior artisan Lingaraj Mahapatra of Bishwakarmasahi near Mangalabagh.
Mahapatra claimed that horncraft will be a thing of the past soon within a few years due to lack of government’s patronage and reluctance among the youngsters to take up the traditional art.
“I have been carving decorative pieces from horn for the last 50 years. I had the opportunity to work with renowned craftsmen including Kulamani Maharana, Ramachandra Maharana, Madha Dalei, Babuni Dalei and Bauri Behera. Now, our youngsters are not interested in making livelihood in horncraft,” rued Mahapatra.
The 75-year-old artisan claimed that he and his wife had received several certificates from the handicrafts development commissioner of state.
However, his family is yet to get any financial support from government.
“Several government officials have visited my house and appreciated my works. But they usually forget us after collecting some information on the traditional art,” Mahapatra added.
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