Themes
tribal artefacts
Bamboo Craft (Bamboo flower art), maharashtra
In this bamboo craft, craftsmen carefully carve bamboo stalks or sections into lovely floral designs. These pieces are used as independent showpieces or as decorative elements of larger paintings, and they are both visually pleasing and highly traditional.
Skilled craftsmen weave thin strips and threads of bamboo to make beautiful floral patterns. This art demands great patience and accuracy, as every petal and leaf is molded by hand to get a natural look. The outcome is an artwork that is not only pleasing to the eyes but also greatly revered.
There are artisans who create three-dimensional floral sculptures with bamboo, reproducing the minute details of different flowers. They bear a strong resemblance to natural flowers and are usually made for festivals and traditional ceremonies, which depicts the level of artistry that goes into making them.
This art is mainly done by the Warli, Bhil, Gond, Katkari, Thakar, and Kokna tribes. Apart from decoration, bamboo craft has cultural and religious importance in these societies, indicating their rich artistic heritage and traditional lifestyle.
Bamboo flower craft is not only aesthetic but also utilitarian. It adds to the elegance of homes, temples, and festival occasions. Although extremely traditional, this art is now being developed with contemporary designs, so it has become highly sought after in both domestic markets and foreign art communities.