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Crafts of Goa

Goa does not lag behind as far as arts and crafts are concerned and has turned out a good competitor in this creative field just like any other art enriched state of India. It can be said that art virtually runs in their 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.

These items are crafted by professional artisans in their ethnic ambience, and also by artisans working at the arts and crafts complex run by the government. 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.

Major Art forms
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.

Types of Handicrafts
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.


Handicraft Centers
Bamboo craft, pottery and woodwork constitute the major cottage industries of Goa in terms of employment. Bamboo work is majorly done in Bardez, Bicholim, Pernem and Sattari. There are about 500 units employing over 1,000 craftsmen. Saleete, Bicholim, Ponda, Pernem and Sattari are centres of woodwork employing about 200 craftsmen at over 100 units.

Pottery Unita are at Bardez, Bicholim, Canacona, and Sattari employing 150 craftsmen.

Main Centers For Development GHRSSIDC
The Goa Handicrafts, Rural & Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Limited (GHRSSIDC), a Government of Goa Undertaking, was set up in October 1980. Its main objective is to encourage, promote and market the myriad of Goan handicrafts by making these items available through its various outlets.

Contact Address:
GHRSSIDC
Crafts Complex,
Neugi Nagar, Rua De Ourem,
Panaji, Goa - 403001.
Gms: GOAUDYOG

Main Centers For Shopping Goa's Handicrafts Emporia: -
Bicholim Pottery Production Centre, D 2/7, Industrial Estate, Bicholim, Goa - 403 504.
Calangute Handicrafts Emporium, Tourist Hostel, Calangute, Goa - 403 516.
Mapusa Handicrafts Emporium, Tourist Hostel, Mapusa, Goa - 403 507.
Margao Handicrafts Emporium, Tourist Hostel, Margao, Goa - 403 601.
Panaji Handicrafts Emporium, Tourist Hostel, Panaji, Goa - 403 301
Handicrafts Emporium, Craft Complex, Neugi Nagar, Rua de Ourem, Panaji, Goa - 403 301.
Handicrafts Emporium, Interstate Bus Terminus, Kadamba Bus Stand, Panaji, Goa - 403 301.
Vasco Da Gama Handicrafts Emporium, Goa Airport, Dabolim, Vasco, Goa - 403 801.
Handicrafts Emporium, Tourist Hostel, Swatantra Path, Vasco Da Gama, Goa - 403 801

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