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

Terracotta: Training (2017)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.

Terracotta: Training (2017)Dastkari Haat Samiti

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

Credits: Story

Text: Jaya Jaitly
Photography: Chirodeep Chaudhuri
Artisans: Manbodh Rana and fellow potters
Ground Facilitator: Ankit Kumar
Documentary Video: Ankit Kumar
Curation: Gunjan Tripathi

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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