Crafts of Kutch- Part 2
By: Divyakshi Gupta
Nirona in Kutch, is not just famous for Roghan Art, but also Copper Bell Art, practised by the Luhar community since centuries
The initial process involves moulding the three parts of the bell & this is done by hand with no machines, without any joints and at this stage, it doesnt have any sounds.
Then the bells are given a copper shade by rolling them in a mud paste & hammered again in different ways to emit different sounds.
Nirona is known for its lacquer art products made by Wada tribes. Lacquer is obtained from trees, mixed with colours & applied to wooden objects
Ajrakhpur, near Bhuj is a hub of craftsmen who indulge in block printing, Ajrakh fabrics are vibrant pieces of tie and dye and a treat to the eyes!
The craftsmen print one colour of a design & wash the cloth till they get the right colour before printing the next colour. So the process means Aaj ke din rakh or keep it for one more day, till the colour fastens
Ajrakh uses natural colours like indigo, henna, turmeric, pomegranate, jaggery, iron and mud.