Tribal crafts on display in a kiosk at Adivasi Mela in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Jan. 30: Exquisite crafts designed by artisans in various tribal areas of the state are finding immense popularity at the ongoing Adivasi Mela.

The 15-day fair, being held at the Adivasi Exhibition Ground, has brought various tribal products among which tribal home décor crafts are one of the highlights this year.

Every year some artefacts made of metal, wood, stone and other materials are showcased. But this time, the crafts are unique in their designs. Metal crafts are available in striking designs of miniature bulls, deer and various animals. Tribal men and women have also been depicted in various metal showpieces of huge size. These are available at the Tribes India outlet. The central government store of tribal products, created by artisans from all over the country, have brought various other articles, too, such as metal trumpets used in many tribal communities during festivities.

“We have a huge collection of metal crafts. Odisha artisans from its tribal pockets create great Dhokra work. Huge metal works on tribal people’s lifestyle depicting men and women doing various daily chores such as winnowing, carrying water pots and so on are usually made in Chhattisgarh,” said an official of the Tribes India outlet that has a store at Nayapalli.

The state government’s Tribes Odisha brand, that showcases a lavish collection of tribal crafts such as paintings and showpieces made by the state’s tribal people, has also set up kiosks. From framed paintings of Juang and Saura tribes to horn crafts created by Santhals, Oraons and Majhis are sought after articles at the kiosks.

“It is simply incredible how the ancient tale of the monkey and crocodile has been depicted with precision by carving horns,” said visitor Soumya Sahoo.

The store also offers mugs and glasses that have been painted with Idi Taal designs, the traditional artwork of the Lanjia Soura tribes. Some glass paintings by Rabinath Sabar of Rayagada are the highlight of the painting collection.

Terracotta works with a novel touch in terms of interesting shades and bamboo and cane showpieces from Sonepur are also attractive. Also, a fascinating collection of colourful wooden masks is displayed at the fair by a team from Bhanjanagar. “Tribal artists from the region create the interesting masks of awkward and distorted faces,” said Pratap Chandra Nayak, the Bhanjanagar trader.

The crafts, priced between Rs 10 and Rs 50,000, will be available at the fair till February 9.