Training Young Potters
A look at workshops in Barapali, Odisha, where students are trained to make terracotta tiles and other objects
Dastkari Haat Samiti
Dastkari Haat Samiti
Training centres of Barapali
Terracotta is found in various centres in Sambalpur, in the north-western part of Odisha. A little further south, lies Barapali village, in Bargarh district of Odisha, which is known for its unique terracotta roof tiles, decorated with animal figures. Made from locally available clay, the terracotta craft is possibly one of the earliest and the most basic of crafts. Senior 'kumbhars', like Manbodh Rana, train young artisans in terracotta work as well.
Terracotta: Training (2017)Dastkari Haat Samiti
The training covers the basics of mixing and shaping the clay.
Terracotta: Training (2017)Dastkari Haat Samiti
The young trainees are taught how to hand mould the clay to form objects.
Terracotta: Training (2017)Dastkari Haat Samiti
A group of students learn the art of making clay figures. In this video, every student is working on a different stage of the process.
Terracotta: Training (2017)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Young girls are also trained in terracotta crafts by master craftsman Manbodh Rana.
Terracotta: Training (2017)Dastkari Haat Samiti
The training includes both tile making and figure sculpting techniques.
Designing and Finishing
The 'kumbhar', or the potter community, is locally called as 'Rana'. Different centres have their own specialisations. The craft is practiced in and around the artisans' family dwellings. The potters live in close proximity to each other, and work can be seen in its various stages at the homes of different artisans.
Terracotta: Training (2017)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Finishing and painting the pieces are also major areas of training.
Terracotta: Training (2017)Dastkari Haat Samiti
While senior batches are trained in tile-making processes, younger batches are often involved in the production of the idols during festive seasons.
Terracotta: Training (2017)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Students are taught perfection by mastering the art of finishing the statues.
Terracotta: Process (2017)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Master craftsman, Manbodh Rana himself takes the training sessions for the young artisans.
Terracotta: Process (2017) by Manbodh RanaDastkari Haat Samiti
Various products that are made during the training sessions are sold in a market, locally in the village.
Terracotta: Training (2017)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Women and girls, trained by senior potters, display their terracotta products, which are popular items at exhibitions and crafts bazaars in towns and cities.
Terracotta: Products (2017) by Manbodh RanaDastkari Haat Samiti
Potter Manbodh Rana shares the history of this art form in his village.
Terracotta: Process (2017)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Read more about the craft of Barapali terracottas here:
- The Process
- The Products
- Crafts Map
Text: Jaya Jaitly
Photography: Chirodeep Chaudhuri
Artisans: Manbodh Rana and fellow potters
Ground Facilitator: Ankit Kumar
Documentary Video: Ankit Kumar
Curation: Gunjan Tripathi
