Arts of Goa
Goan art colorfully illustrates the unity in diversity of Goan
heritage. Various art forms pertaining to different religious beliefs
and life styles have mingled into one unique identity that has developed
into Goan art. Thus one finds Hindu artists chiseling out Christian
images in villages and cities. Goan art, developed around religious
requirements, represents this process of assimilation, interdependence
and mutual acceptability.
Goa is a proud place for lovers of Christian art as it houses Asia's
first Museum of Christian Art at Rachol Seminary in Salcete Taluka. The
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation of Lisbon, Portugal has provided funds
for the restoration of this treasure-trove of Christian art objects.
Crafts of Goa
Goa does not lag behind as far as arts and crafts are concerned and has
turned out a good competitor in this creative field just like any other
art enriched state of India. It can be said that art virtually runs in
their blood, which is manifested, in many artistic crafts that have
attained commercial proportions. They make excellent souvenirs for
tourists. Goan handicrafts include Creative Pottery, Shell Work,
Furniture, Brass Work, Bamboo Work, Papier-Mache, etc.
These items are crafted by professional artisans in their ethnic
ambience, and also by artisans working at the arts and crafts complex
run by the government. They are sold through various handicraft emporia
and all major tourist spots.
The art and craft of Goa is the product of the aesthetic blend of
Portuguese and Indian cultures. The crafts of the state are intricately
beautiful, capturing the fancies of tourists and locals alike. These
crafts can be at best described as a mirror of Goa's perennial glory and
beauty and they have carved a niche for themselves by winning critical
acclaim of the connoisseurs of the art world. Click here for Art and
Culture Tours in Goa
Major Art forms
The major art forms of Goa include bamboo craft, woodcarving, brass
metals, seashell craft, Papier-Mache, and wooden lacquer ware. Other
important crafts of the state include Jute Macrame, Fabric Collage,
Plaster of Paris, Crochet and embroidery, fiber and Batik prints, fiber
stone carving, Coconut shell carving, metal embossing, silver and
imitation jewelry, cotton dolls, soft toys, woolen tapestry, and
artistic weaving.
Types of Handicrafts
The major art forms of the state include bamboo craft, woodcarving,
brass metals, seashell craft, Papier-Mache, and wooden lacquer ware.
Other important crafts of the state include Jute Macrame, Fabric
Collage, Plaster of Paris, Crochet and embroidery, fiber and Batik
prints, fiber stone carving, Coconut shell carving, metal embossing,
silver and imitation jewelry, cotton dolls, soft toys, woolen tapestry,
and artistic weaving.
