[CA] GI Tags for Thanajvur Netti Works & Arumbavur Wood Carvings

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.

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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.

[Complete list of Products from TN that received GI Tags so far...]