Nabarngpur: The tribal dominated Nabarangpur is proud of its traditional art and crafts. The district headquarters of Nabarangpur has an ancient lacquered handicraft of international
repute.
However, due to lack of support it is feared that the ancient handicraft may soon become a story of the past. Of various materials abundantly available in nature and known to men from very early times, lac, perhaps, is the earliest known material which is the main base of this handicraft. Previously raw lack was abundantly available in the district.
But gradually with the clearance of jungles, lac completely vanished from the district and now lacquer artisans depend mostly upon the adjacent district for raw lac. Generally lacquered articles are invariably wooden wares ornamented with lacquered bases. Exceptionally, Nabarangpur lac workers make lac boxes, chains, toys, sticks and other decorative lac products of high artistic quality.
This craft is unique. The lacquer is used on bamboo boxes prepared by melting lac and colours under suitable temperature.
Lacquer threads emblazoned with different colours are used on the lacquer painted base and artistic designs are drawn up with lacquered threads on the surface of the box. Lacquered chamar, chains of golden colour, among others, are a special attraction for art lovers.
It has become popular not only in our country but also abroad. Nabarangpur lac work is famous for its coloured lac melted in form of threads to produce lacquered wares. The tools used in this process of manufacturing are very simple such as scissors, blunt needles, finishing stone and small wooden rods and fire to facilitate temperature for finishing of the products.
Among the various communities living in Nabarangpur, Sankhari community is one of the most backward classes who dedicated themselves to decorating palaces of Maharajas and zamidars on festive occasions with lacquered wares since time immemorial. This ancient craft had been enlivened under the patronage of rajas and zamidars.
The Sankhari community with a population of about 500 in the district headquarters town of Nabarangpur has been carrying on the cottage industry as a means for their livelihood. It has been a women dominated craft since its inception.
The tradition of presenting brides with lacquered wares by various communities had greatly contributed to the existence and extension of the lacquered craft. This traditional craft had also attracted foreigners during the British era. In course of time and in the present age of scientific development, this lacquered industry has been confined to a limited circle with people dependent on this making a meagre earning.
During sixties and seventies, the Sankhari community witnessed a golden period. A society was formed and through this society lac products were marketed. At that time, demand for lacquered articles of Nabarangpur increased to such an extent that the society could not meet the inflow of indents. Encouraged by this demand, women artisans got national and state awards.
However, they were gradually deprived of support leading to deterioration of their financial condition. It affected the economic condition of craftsmen. Unity among the community members was broken. Gradually, the craftsmen suffered a lot for
want of marketing facilities. This condition continues till date.
The Sankhari community of Nabarangpur until a few decades back were proud bearers of a rich tradition. However, they have been swept by the currents of change into the fringes of the society. They are making a desperate bid for their survival. It is feared that the ancient handicraft may soon become a story
of the past.
Scarcity of raw materials and lack of patronage have made it difficult for the handicraft to survive. With traditions weakening all over, the lacquer art has also lost its demand. Once a flourishing business, it is now confined to a few households.
If the government does not come forward to protect and encourage lacquer craftsmen, it would be impossible for them to keep the famous lacquer art and crafts alive for long. It is now being seen that traditional craftsmen are searching for other avenues to make a living.
