Sholapith
Wooden Artwares
History
The art of sholapith holds a significant place in the cultural heritage of West Bengal, deeply associated with auspicious occasions like Bengali weddings and Durga Puja. According to local folklore, Lord Shiva requested Lord Vishwakarma to create a white crown for his wedding with Parvati, but Vishwakarma failed. Shiva then created a man, later named Malakar, who crafted ornaments, garlands, and the crown from sholapith.
Raw Materials and Tools
RAW MATERIALS: Shola pith, thread, adhesive.
TOOLS: Knife, cutter.
Process
The process involves harvesting shola stems in September and October, followed by drying and peeling off the outer bark to reveal the soft, spongy Indian cork at the core. The artisans then delicately shape the shola strips into various designs using simple tools. The lightweight and flexible nature of shola allows for intricate experimentation in crafting stunning pieces. The lightweight and paper-like nature of shola makes it an easy material to work with during the shaping stage, allowing artisans to bring their envisioned designs to life with ease.
Design and Color
It is renowned for its intricate designs and delicate motifs, deeply embedded in cultural and religious traditions. Floral patterns are a dominant motif, widely seen in garlands, wedding accessories, and temple artifacts. The craft, rooted in nature, uses the soft, porous shola plant, considered sacred due to its white color, symbolizing purity.
Product Range
Sholapith is used to craft an extensive range of products, including ritualistic, decorative, and artistic pieces. In Durga Puja, it plays a crucial role in making ornaments and deity backdrops. Bengali weddings prominently feature mukut (bride’s crown) and topor (groom’s headgear), symbolizing good fortune. The craft is also used in temple artifacts, garlands, wall hangings, and sculptures of deities and home décor items.