Andhra Pradesh

Art & Crafts

Bronze Castings:-

Before making bronze idols, the craftsman had to carefully study the verses from the Shilpashastra. the verses were called dhyana and instructed the craftsmen on physical   measurements, proportions, description of the deity, characteristics, symbolism and above all, aesthetics. This is how the  craftsmen set about  creating masterpieces from bronze in ancient India. what is also interesting is the guidance that was sought from nature for modeling icons-eyebrows were modelled after neem leaf or fish ; nose, the sesume flower, the upper lip, a bow; chin, a mango stone; neck, the conch shell and so on.

Budithi:-

There is a small village called Budithi in Central Srikakulam-a district in Andhra Pradesh. Here, life revolves around creating beautiful shapes out of alloys. the shapes range from the charmingly traditional to the elegantly modern. The charmingly traditional cooking utensils and also in forms that suit contemporary needs- like flower pots and planters. Usually made of brass, the objects have patterns that are geometric, with straight lines and curves forming simple and striking presentations. Floral patterns abound too.

Sheet Metal:-

Pembarthi village in Warangal District of Andhra Pradesh saw its glory during the reign of Kakatiyas. You'd be wondering why and how. It is a 500 year old answer! during the period of Kakatiya rule, sheet metal workmanship adorned the vigrahas and vahanas . With temples proliferating in the vast Kakatiya kingdom, the Pemparthi sheet metal worker sawhis fame attract people from all religions of India.

Dokra:-

Tribal in origin, the Dokra metal craft is common to the tribal belts of Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Bengal and Andhra Pradesh  In Andhra Pradesh this craft is found in Chittalbori  and Ushegaon in Adilabad District .What makes Dokra unique is that no two pieces are like. deftly aerated by hand , the objects have individualistic touch. Figurines, horses, drummers peculiar shaped spoons and hauntingly original tribal Gods can be seen in Dokra.