Chhattisgarh Stone Craft
Stone (Others)
History
The stone crafts of Chhattisgarh reflect the tribal culture and artistry of local artisans. This tradition has been preserved by tribal artisans, who create intricate stone carvings that showcase their creativity and craftsmanship. The craft flourished due to the availability of high-quality Sudapaal stones in Bastar, which are soft and easy to carve. Their work embodies the simplicity and skill of Chhattisgarh’s native people.
Raw Materials and Tools
RAW MATERIALS:
Sudapaal stones
TOOLS:
stone cutters
chisels
for polishing
polishing stones
simple measuring tool.
Process
The artisans of Chhattisgarh use Sudapaal stones, which are pink and white in color and widely found in the Bastar region, due to their softness and easy accessibility. For carving, they employ Basulas (stone cutters) and chisels called Pataasis. Once the carving is complete, sandpaper and battas (polishing stones) are used to achieve a smooth, natural shine. To ensure perfect proportions, artisans rely on a simple measuring tool called Guniya.
Design and Color
Chhattisgarh stone carvings feature distinct motifs and techniques. Tatiyasaaj idols are two-dimensional carvings on thick rock, while White Akashang idols are three-dimensional sculptures. Freehand carving allows artisans to create intricate designs using chisels, relying on their sense of proportion and experience rather than strict measurements.
Product Range
The idols are known by various names, such as Tatiya saaj and akshang idols. Tatiya saaj idols are crafted as two-dimensional reliefs on thick rock, while akshang idols are three-dimensional. The craftsmen produce idols of deities like Hanuman, Ganesha, Shiva, and Parvati, and they also create human and animal figures that are characteristic of Chhattisgarh stone carving.