Crafts of Goa – Indian handicrafts

Goa can be compared to any other state in india as far as the arts and crafts are concerned. It can be said that art virtually runs in thier blood which is manifested in many artistic crafts that have attained commercial proportions. They make excellent souvenirs for tourists. Goan handicrafts include creative pottery, shell work, furniture, brass work, bamboo work, papier mache, etc.

Click here to visit our Paintings and Handicrafts Gallery

These items are crafted by professional artisans in their ethnic ambience, and also by artisans working for the government sponsored crafts workshops. They are sold through various handicraft emporia and all major tourist spots.

The art and craft of Goa is the product of the aesthetic blend of Portuguese and Indian cultures. The crafts of the state are intricately beautiful, capturing the fancies of tourists and locals alike. These crafts can be at best described as a mirror of Goa’s perennial glory and beauty and they have carved a niche for themselves by winning critical acclaim of the connoisseurs of the art world. The major art forms of the state include bamboo craft, woodcarving, brass metals, seashell craft, papier-mache, and wooden lacquer ware. Other important crafts of the state include jute macrame, fabric collage, plaster of Paris, crochet and embroidery, fiber and batik prints, fiber stone carving, coconut shell carving, metal embossing, silver and imitation jewelry, cotton dolls, soft toys, woolen tapestry, and artistic weaving.
Pottery & Terracota

These are traditional crafts with utility-cum-decorative items produced by the potters with artistic perfection and realistic finish. The items produced include flower garden pots, bowls with floral designs, figures of saints, Gods’ and Godesses’ and animals, ashtrays and pen holders. etc.

Brass metal ware

While utensils of utility are made of sheet metal (copper), brass metal casting is a craft passed on from one generation to another practised on hereditary basis. The items produced include oil lamps in various designs, candle stands, temple towers, church bells, ashtrays, etc.

Wooden laquerware/Wood turning
The items produced are cradels, babycarts, toys, corner stands, etc.

Crochet & Embroidery
Works such as table cloths, children and ladies gartments, pillow and cushion covers, linen, etc.

Bamboo Craft
Such as flower baskets, mats, and letter-holders, pen stands, fans and other decorative items

Fibre craft
Shopping bags, ladies purses, coasters and wall hangings, etc. made of banana or sisal fibre.

Jute Macrame craft
Decorative bags, belts, wall hanging, lamp shades, flower pots, hangers, etc.

Coconut mask carving
Done on coconut shells.

Sea shell craft
The items produced include ashtrays, lamp shades, coasters, chandeliers, curtains, pot hangers, table mats, clocks, mirror frame, etc.