GOA- A LOT MORE THAN HOLIDAYS AND BEACHES

If You think Goa Is All About Charming Beaches And Exotic Nightlife; You Never Discovered Here Portuguese Era Forts, Wonderful Churches, Amazing Temples and Spellbound Handicrafts||

Goa is a state in India within the coastal region also known as Konkan in, western India. It is the smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. While Vasco da Gama is its largest city the historic city of Margao still exhibits the cultural influence of the Portuguese.

Goa is visited by large numbers of international and domestic tourists each year for its white sand beaches, nightlife, places of worship and world heritage architecture. It has rich flora and fauna, owing to its location on the Western Ghats range, a biodiversity hotspot.

Every Goan knows that hospitality is not a trend in their city, it is a tradition that they follow without any remark.

Source: Wikipedia

A land of blended cultures, the people finds expression in the art and crafts of Goa. While on a trip to Goa, it's difficult to resist enticement to buy souvenirs. Among the crafts of Goa, there is no end. It's difficult to pick what is best. The art and craft of Goa, like its culture, have come out of a blend of Indo-Portuguese art forms. Seizing the fancy of Goans as well as tourists, Goa craft has won critical acclaim from the cognoscente of the art world. 

Let's take a trip to find out some of the finest art pieces and let the world know apart from beer and beaches, Goa has some hidden treasures to show.

1. Brass Metal Work

While utensils of utility are made of sheet metal (copper), brass metal casting is a craft passed on from one generation to another practiced on a hereditary basis. The view is simply best when it comes to various products with shapes and sizes. One of the most famous products of Goa is the lamp Samai (a tree-like oil lamp with flower motifs). The items produced include oil lamps in various designs, candle stands, temple towers, church bells, ashtrays, etc. These artisans are considered geniuses at the art of molding brass by hands, with such simplicity and tremendous beauty.

Source: Internet

2. Pottery and Terracotta Work

While pottery is an art of traditional form made with earthen clay, terracotta is ceramic clay. These are traditional crafts with decorative items produced by the potters with artistic perfection and realistic finish. They also draw inspiration from religious or historical themes. This craft includes flower garden pots, bowls with floral designs, figures of Saints, Gods' and Goddesses' and animals, ashtrays and penholders, etc.

Source: https://www.goaholidayhomes.com/

 3. Coir and Coconut Craft Work   

As this craft is considered the oldest handicrafts in Goa, their value cannot be undermined when it comes to exquisite handicrafts. Hand-made hats, knotted mats, masks and tough ropes, which are primarily made from the coconut husk. Other things made from coir include pot hangers, shopping bags, coasters, ashtrays, lamp shades, chandeliers, curtains, table mats, mirror frames, ladies purses etc.

Source: Internet

                          

4. Jute Macrame Craft

Jute, a cheap natural fiber composed of cellulose (plant fiber) and lignin (wood fiber), is often used by the craftsmen of Goa. As we know that jute materials are made from the most unique crafts of India, Jute Macrame Craft is also one of the widely used products. Jute craft is known to be one of the most unique crafts of India and items such as Decorative bags, belts, wall hanging, lamp shades, flower pots, hangers, etc are considered Goan souvenirs.

Source: Internet

5. Sea Shell Craft

Seashell craft is a major art form of Goa. Converting them into extraordinary pieces of work. Shells of various sizes, shapes, and shades are used in the making of ornaments like necklaces, rings, bracelets, and brooches. The product range also includes decorative cum utility objects like ashtrays, lampshades, coasters, chandeliers, curtains, pot hangers, tablemats, clocks and mirror frame.

Source: Internet

6. Fibre Craft

Fiber articles were earlier produced for utility purposes. The function of fiber is combined with some ornamentation to bring out some attractive and colorful items. Shopping bags, ladies purses, coasters, wall hangings are made by some women organizations of Goa using banana or sisal fiber.

Source: Internet

7. Bamboo Craft

Bamboo craft initially was more of a utility based thing wherein 'Mahras', a scheduled community made items required by farmers and fishermen. It is believed to be the oldest arts. Both Bamboo and Crane crafts are widely used for making decorative items in houses. Bamboo products include flower baskets, mats, and letter-holders, pen stands, fans and other decorative items. Farmers carried baskets that used to carry the coconut, rice, paddy, fish, and flowers.

Source: Internet

8. Crochet and Embroidery Craft Work

Crochet and embroidery in Goa are inherent to every household where it is passed from one generation to another. The importance of this craft in Goa can be realized by the fact that every bride brings her work as dowry which is displayed to demonstrate her expertise in the craft. The craft of crochet and embroidery came to Goa with the arrival of nuns and missionaries in the fifteenth century. The items made are hankies, table clothes, children and ladies garments, pillow and cushion covers and bedspreads etc.

 

Source: Internet

9. Lacquerware / Woodturning Craft Work

Woodturning is a form of woodcarving that is used to create wooden objects on a lathe using cutting tools. Woodturning differs from most other forms of woodworking, here the wood is moving while a stationary tool is used to cut and shape it. You will get cradles, baby carts, toys, corner stands, etc in Goa made by wood turning.

Source: Internet

To possess these items, you only need to explore Goa beaches or the interiors and you will be delighted to see the items in your hands. You can always find the tribes indulging in the activity of making beautiful handicrafts and that is where you get a sense of relief.

When Goa became one of the major tourist hubs, the art flourished like never before. You can enjoy loads of items such as wooden lacquer–ware papier-mache, terracotta Pottery, woodcarving, crochet and embroidery, and other items.