From intricate wood carving to colourful wooden lacquerware, from sturdy bamboo craft to delicate papier-mâché, from fabulous terracotta and brassware to art pieces made from exotic sea shells, from intricate crochet and embroidery to rustic jute macramé, from delicate fibre craft to unconventional coconut masks, Goa’s art forms are as varied and colourful as the land itself.
The crafts of the state are intricately beautiful, capturing the fancies of tourists and locals alike. These crafts are a mirror of Goa’s perennial beauty and they have won critical acclaim of the connoisseurs of the art world.
Goan lace can be found here, as are colourful masks, cotton bags, wooden toys, the excellent shopping bags and table mats woven from sisal or banana, coconut or pineapple fibre.
POTTERY & TERRACOTA
These are traditional crafts with utility-cum-decorative items produced by the potters with artistic perfection and realistic finish. The items produced with this craft include flower garden pots, bowls with floral designs, figures of Saints, Gods’ and Goddesses’, animals, ashtrays and penholders, etc.
BRASS METAL WARE
While utensils of utility are made of sheet metal (copper), brass metal casting is a craft passed on from one generation to another practiced on hereditary basis. The items produced include oil lamps in various designs, candle stands, temple towers, church bells, ashtrays, etc
WOODEN LAQUERWARE/WOOD TURNING
Some of the most exquisite items produced in Goan woodcraft include cradles, baby carts, toys, corner stands, etc. which are used mostly by Hindu families on religious occasions.
CROCHET & EMBROIDERY
Works such as tablecloths, children and ladies garments, pillow, cushion covers and linen form a breathtaking apparel range.
BAMBOO CRAFT
One of the major crafts industries of Goa is the bamboo craft. The lists of popular bamboo products include flower baskets, mats, letter-holders, pen stands, fans and other decorative items.
FIBRE CRAFT
Shopping bags, ladies purses, coasters, wall hangings and other essential accessory items used in daily purposes are made of banana or sisal fibre. The major fibre craft centre is situated in Corlim.
JUTE MACRAME CRAFT
Jute craft is known to be one of the most unique crafts of India and items such as decorative bags, belts, wall hangings, lamp shades, flower pots, hangers, etc are popular Goan souvenirs.
COCONUT MASK CARVING & SEA SHELL CRAFT
Mask carving has got a whole new look in Goa as it is done on coconut shells. Sea shell craft produces ashtrays, lamp shades, coasters, chandeliers, curtains, pot hangers, table mats, clocks, mirror frames, etc.
