Tribal World, an initiative under Tribal Development Cooperative Corporation of Odisha Ltd. (TDCCOL) to promote tribal handicraft and handloom, celebrates Odisha’s magnificent tribal heritage in a very special way.
Located at Rupali Square, one enters the outlet through a glass door surrounded by auspicious tribal motifs. The large show window at the side, framed by traditional tribal wall art motifs, is alive with sculpted vignettes of tribal life.
The images which cast stunning silhouettes comprise bustling village scenes, dance patterns in tribal motifs and many others crafted by traditional tribal craftspersons of Odisha.
Inside, the interiors bear the unmistakable stamp of tribal stone craftsmanship, in the sculpted etchings on the floors and in the carved log wood wall hangings.
Tribal World showcases the best in Odisha’s tribal craft in traditional artistry as well.
A wealth of mellow-hued Dokraware, rendered with exquisite detailing and craftsmanship includes animal and bird forms, candle stands, jewel boxes, ashtrays, decorative pieces, measuring bowls, tribal jewellery etc.
Wood carvings and Soura paintings, mesmerising facets of tribal craft skills are also amply represented. On display are sculpted log wood wall hangings celebrating typical tribal motifs as well as bamboo artefact pieces. The carved wooden items also include decorative pieces, tribal masks, boxes, beautifully carved wooden stands and much else.
Managing Director of TDCCOL Sushant Nanda said the products are procured directly from the tribal artisans and sold here under the brand name of ‘Tribes Odisha’. “Our primary aim is to promote products made by tribals and provide them market linkage for sustenance and better livelihood,” he said.
Nanda added that there is a huge demand of authentic tribal products in Bhubaneswar and even outside the State, but people do not have a variety of options to buy them. ‘’This is where we are tyring to plug the gap. Through Tribes Odisha we are trying to popularise tribal products among denizens,’’ he said.
One can also buy exquisite handlooms prepared by tribals here. Specially made organic dyed textile made by ‘Mirgan’ community of Kotpad area in Koraput district and ‘Kapadaganda’ , the ethnic embroidered shawl woven by Dongria Kondh tribals of Rayagada are available in the outlet. “Mirgan community usually weaves this textile for Bhotada, Dharua and other neighbouring tribal communities highlighting their respective motifs,” he said.
At present, TDCCOL works with a floating population of 30 primary artists and 18 artisan clusters. “We procure Dokra from Kandhamal, Rayagada, Dhenkanal, Saura paintings from Gajapati and Rayagada district, wooden crafts from artisans living in Kalahandi-Balangir border, terracotta products from artisans of Keonjhar, among other crafts,” Nanda said.
The Corporation has drawn up plans to open five more clusters for its artisans this year where they would be provided raw material, working capital and common facilitation centre for production in bulk.
In addition to tribal handicrafts and handloom, TDCCOL markets various minor forest produce that includes timber, resin, wood oil and bark and the processed items under the brand name ‘Adisha’ in the outlet.
Tribal World showrooms are also there at Unit-8 in Bhubaneswar, Koraput and Rourkela. “We are also planning to open a Tribal World outlet at the Bhubaneswar airport soon, besides one on PPP mode at Puri and another at Cuttack,” said the Managing Director, adding that the products are also e-marketed through TDCCOL website.
