The Popular, Traditional, and Innovative Terracotta Products from Barapali, Odisha

The potters draw inspirations from local myths and fashion whimsical animal figures, like this mouse, who is symbolic of Lord Ganesha's mount.

Inspiration is also drawn from local beliefs as the tiles are decorated with bees and pigeons, which symbolise the arrival of the Goddess Lakshmi.

Roof tiles are often decorated with frogs, which is a sign of the arrival of monsoon.

The potters make a variety of household objects, many of which are used in their own homes.

This lends a charming sense of integrated living, where natural materials, their skills and the utility objects of their everyday life are part of an organic whole.

The artisans' wares are sold at a market, locally in the village.

Besides utilitarian objects, the potters also make terracotta statues.

Terracotta figures, when attached to wheels, some sticks and a string, become a popular pull-along toy for rural children.

A traditional water jug has whimsical additions, like these squirrels.

All the animals have some significance beyond mere amusement and embellishment, and everything in nature is respected and honoured.

Planters in the shape of animals, like this tortoise, are also some of the popular artefacts that the potters make.

The Barapali potters have incorporated elements of local myths and beliefs in their pottery, like this planter with a frog. Spotting a frog is a sign of the arrival of monsoon in Odisha.

Birds are a common decoration on planters and tiles.

A whimsical rendition of a cow adds a unique touch to this planter.

The craftsmen also make utility objects, like coin boxes, in the shape of everyday items, like a radio, and paint them in attractive colours.

A brightly painted clock is actually a coin bank for children. They are sold during the festive season, after the monsoons, when potters do the most business, and people, including children, have some money to spend.

Barapali potters love depicting animals of all kinds, but birds and frogs are probably their favourites.

Read more about the craft of Barapali terracottas here:
- The Process
- Training and Workshops
- Crafts Map