|
The Khumbar:
The
age of usage of baked pottery gave importance to the work
of potters. Whole villages of potters were usually assembled
around the source of clay.
The clay was shaped and moulded on the wheel
which was spun manually, the clay product, wet but finished
was dried and then baked in a kiln of firewood. Popular among
these clay products were "Kunni" - round, wide mouth
vessels, "Bhutkule" - pots, Mattulam - small, flat
or deep bowls, "Koddem" - deep wide round vessels,
also a lot of decorative and useful items were also made and
graced every home.
The Chamar
Wooden
clogs gradually made way for the lighter and longer lasting
leather footwear. the cobbler sole craftsman of his trade
with a sharp blade needle, greases and slabs of leather fashioned
footwear, made moulds and designed simple but wearable patterns
for feet that had a lot of walking to do.
The chamar used to go house to house repairing
and taking measurement for new footwear or could be found
a little distance away from the tinto plying his trade.
The Mahar
Using
material like bamboo and cane and using only his hands the
mahar, made a variety of products.
Baskets, cages, "Konde" - covered
high baskets for storage of grain and onion. Wider spaced
baskets were woven to cover roosting hens and chicks. Small
square, flat baskets to carry flowers were made and used mostly
in hindu homes.
A triangular open ended "Sup"
was used for dusting the husk form rice. These were among
the few, everyday items made and sold in bulk.
The Barber
The
busiest trader, the barber usually sat under a tree or a makeshift
shelter. Homemade oils for a relaxing massage, a sharp and
shiny blade, a wooden or tortoise shell comb, a scissor and
a small mirror which was usually held by the customer whilst
the barber snipped and shaved away.
He also went over to the houses to perform
the task and this usually was at the more affuent homes.
Other traditional Goan artisans include
Shetty (goldsmith), Zo (idol makers who sculpt statues of
wood and ivory). Chari (blacksmith), Chittari (Lacquer work
artisan), Kansar who makes brass lamps and copper vessels.
|