Thanjavur Netti Works
· Thanjavur
Netti Works (Thanjavur Pith Work) is made from Netti (pith) from a marshy plant
called as Aeschynomene Aspera.
· This
is a traditional art form and has been transferred from one generation to the
next.
· The
Netti Works are widely found in the Brihadeeshwara Temple, Hindu Idols,
Garlands, door hangings and decorative pieces.
· The
government has recognised the pith work industry as one of the major handicraft
symbols.
·
The majority of production is done in
the towns of Thanjavur, Kumbakonam and Pudukkottai where most of the artisans
hail from.
·
However, products made from the Pith
are brittle and break easily, unless kept carefully. Hence, most models are
preserved inside a glass box
Arumbavur Wood Carvings
·
Arumbavur wood carvings by the artisans
of Perambalur are primarily made out of the wooden logs of, Mango, Lingam tree,
Indian Ash tree, Rosewood, Neem tree are used for making sculptures.
·
The artisans mainly source the wood
from the Pachamalai Hills along the Tiruchy- Perambalur border and the
Thanjavur-Kumbakonam belt.
·
Several temple cars with artistic
features are even seen at the temples in the districts of Perambalur, Ariyalur,
Tiruchy, Salem, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Thanjavur and Madurai which were crafted
by the forefathers of Arumbavur Temple car sthapatis (idol makers)
·
One of the uniqueness of the craft is
the entire design carved out of a single block of wood given that a single
error could damage the entire piece.
[
The
GI tagging will help rural artisans, who possess unique skills and knowledge of
traditional practices and methods. They can make & market their products
domestically and internationally. GI is
used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities
or a reputation that are due to that origin.
