Cuttack’s famed silver filigree work received GI tag
Context:
- Recently the famous Rupa Tarakasi, or silver filigree work of Odisha’s Cuttack, has received the geographical indication (GI) tag.
- It is Odisha State Cooperative Handicrafts Corporation Limited (Utkalika) which had applied for the tag.
- A GI tag is given for products originating from a specific geographical region, signifying unique characteristics and qualities.
- GI tag serves as a trademark in the international market.
Rupa Tarakasi:
- Odisha’s Cuttack is known for its silver filigree work which is of intricate design and fine craftsmanship.
- In Odia language, “tara” means wire and “kasi” means to design.
- Therefore, as part of Rupa Tarakasi, silver bricks are transformed into thin fine wires or foils and used to create jewellery or showpieces.
Origin:
- While the exact origin of the filigree art in Cuttack is not clear, it’s existence dates back to the 12th century.
- The art form also received considerable patronage under the Mughals.
- Over the years, as Cuttack transitioned through the hands of different rulers, the silver filigree also took on a new form with each.
- In Cuttack the intricate work is generally done by boys, whose sensitive fingers, and keener sight enable them to put the fine silver threads together with the necessary rapidity and also accuracy.
- The filigree work from Cuttack is quite distinct in character from the indigenous silver jewellery of the country.
Popular product categories:
- The popular product categories now found in Cuttack ranges from jewellery, decorative artifacts, accessories, home décor to religious/cultural pieces.
- The iconic items which are found only in Cuttack are the Durga Puja Medha (silver decorations for the Durga idol and pandal), Odissi jewellery, religious/cultural pieces linked directly to the customs of Odisha, and the Dama chain.
Evolution and growth:
- While silver filigree as a craft has transitioned with the time, its core process has stayed the same over the centuries, with only a few changes in the tools and components.
- The majority of the change has come on the design and also product fronts.
- It is important to note that apart from different grades of silver are used in the main metal alloy, the craftsmen also use other metals like copper, zinc, cadmium and tin.
