SIKKIM - THE FINGERS HERE CREATES MAGIC

        “A work of art is the trace of a magnificent struggle.”                                                                                                                 – Grace Hartigan

High mountains, flushing channels, fascinating greenery, Sikkim has always lured travelers with its misty valleys and snow-clad peaks. What meets your eyes in this land of myths and folklore are tropical orchids, the humming of prayers from the monasteries that abounds here, prayer flags, and meandering rivers here and there. 

Sikkim is the second smallest state in North India. It is notable for its biodiversity, including alpine and subtropical climates, as well as being a host to Kanchenjunga. Sikkim has a rich diversity in flora and fauna, cuisines, festivals, kinds of music, and different types of art forms. 

Interestingly Sikkim here has a folklore attached for instance. Many of these folklore and myths are represented in visual interpretations in Sikkim’s art and craft. There are a variety of art and crafts practiced here by the people. These art and craft not only represent their story but also represent the culture followed by them.

Each piece of art and craft is made with love and patience. The people are here very hard working and this can be justified by their work. Some of the famous handicrafts are Wooden mask making, handloom weaving, shawl making, wood carving, bamboo and cane craft etc...

Let's check out on some of them.....

1. Thangka Painting

Thangkas are religious scrolls found hanging in monasteries and in Sikkimese houses. They normally depict life sketches of gods and goddesses in a different form. They also depict the life of Lord Buddha, goddess Drolma(Tara), a wheel of life and many other diety. The central figure of the thangka is always Buddha or any other deity of Buddhism. Stone colors and vegetable dyes together with gold dust and gold thread used for the tapestry. The paintings are bordered with rich silk and brocade with heavily engraved silver knobs. Thangkas in Sikkim have a religious and spiritual significance and is regarded as a sacred object.

Source: Internet

2. Bamboo and cane craft

Cane and bamboo form an integral part in the lives of people of Sikkim. Bamboo is used in many ways to make several articles. The traditional use for Bamboos to make household furniture items like moorah's or small stools, decorative items like flowers, utility items like pen stands, picture frames, baskets, and dustbins. Attractive user-friendly and eco- friendly products made are fruit and vegetable baskets, beer mugs, hair clips, flower vases, containers, Lepcha Hat etc. Bamboo is also a major food crop and ecologically sustainable raw material.

Source: Internet

3. Wooden Mask Making

Mask making is another ancient craft in Sikkim. Face masks in the wood of different god and goddesses and animals are made and worn by people during festivals, religious ceremonies, and dances. These masks may depict serene, partly angry or animal expressions. Nowadays they are also used as wall hangings. Wooden masks are carved out of tough light-wood known as 'Zaru Shing' (Zaru wood).

Source: Internet

4. Wood Carving

Wood carving is also one of the ancient art forms of Sikkim. This is done on a range of products like 'Choktsis'(carved table), bakchok(square table), wooden masks, decorative screens, lucky signs, alters, lamp stands and other decorative items in typical traditional designs like dragons, birds, Phoenix etc. The main raw material used in this craft is wood. Three types of wood are normally used such as 'tooni' (toona celiata),'rani chaap' (Macalia Exelsa), and 'okher' (Walnut). 

Source: Internet

5. Handloom Weaving

Cotton and woolen yarn are used together with vegetable dyes and synthetic colors. Lepcha weaves or 'Thara' is woven in vertical looms with a backstrap. In ancient times, the Lepcha's of Sikkim were said to use yarn spun out of stinging nettle (sisnu) plant to weave clothes. Such looms are of small width. Traditional design with different colors is used to make tharas which are used for making bedspreads, bags, belts, curtains, cushion covers, table mats, tray cloths etc, apart from their traditional dress.

Source: Internet

6. Carpet Weaving

Sikkimese carpets are also hand-knotted and woven in fixed vertical looms which are kept standing with the support of a wall. This art requires a high degree of concentration. This craft is taken up mainly by women in Sikkim. Carpet designs are normally of mythical birds, flowers like the lotus, snow lions, eight Buddhist lucky signs etc. Carpets of different sizes for covering walls, chairs, sofas, beds or diwans are made and marketed.

Source: Internet

So, these were some of the famous art and crafts of Sikkim. These handicrafts are intricately and exquisitely designed. Sikkim is resplendent with not only its natural beauty but with its art and craft too.

The cultural richness of Sikkim is visible in its quality handicrafts. The Government of Sikkim is making constant efforts to keep the arts & crafts alive. Keeping the idea in mind, the Govt. has established Handicraft and Handloom Institute, to preserve and promote traditional cottage art and craft.

From ages, craft items of Sikkim have generated a lot of market in India, and what is most heartening to see is that today it is in great demand even in foreign countries. 

The people of Sikkim prefer the olden ways as it cheaper, better quality and way more rewarding. And looking at the demand of crafts products, it seems even buyers prefer the same way.

So, when you all are planning to get a handful of these souvenirs??

Source: DHH