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Design Resource
Tuma Craft of Bastar
Unique craft of Chattisgarh
by
History
In the earlier times, dry gourds were used as storage devices by the tribals to carry water, local alcoholic drinks (salfi and mahua) and energy drinks (madia painch). They also used to decorate their tuma vessels with interesting patterns on it. Inspired by the structure of the vessel, Jagat Ram Dewangan of Kedaichepda started experimenting with the form and style of it. Choosing interesting shapes and etching patterns on it with the hot knife, cutting it for different purposes, he gave birth to all together a new craft form named Tuma. Started with vessel for local villagers, now the form also exists in the shape of lamps, planters and even jewelry.
