Gullakaari

This translucent leather painting technique hails from Andhra Pradesh and is traditionally employed in crafting puppets for the renowned shadow-puppet theater of the region known as 'Tholu Bommalata,' which translates to "the dance of leather dolls."
Goatskin serves as the primary raw material, and the vivid colors are derived from natural vegetable dyes. To enhance the allure of these creations, intricate patterns are adorned with small holes, skillfully crafted using a chisel known as a "pogaru."
Once painted, the artworks are left to dry in the sun for a period of two to three days. These skilled artisans draw inspiration from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, resulting in a diverse array of pieces in terms of shape, size, and utility. These creations range from paintings to lampshades and puppets, each representing a vibrant and unique work of art that can enliven any wall or corner.

The term 'Gond' derives its origins from the Dravidian word 'Kond,' signifying 'green mountain.'
Gond painting is a renowned folk art form attributed to the Gond tribal community of central India. This art form, originating from the rich tapestry of folk and tribal traditions, is practiced by the Gond people, one of India's largest tribal groups. They are primarily situated in Madhya Pradesh, but can also be found in pockets of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
The history of the Gond people spans nearly 1400 years, and their art is characterized by a captivating blend of mystery, intricate patterns, a harmonious palette of colors, and a touch of humour, reflecting contemporary sensibilities.

Paper mache is an exquisite form of decorative art that vividly reflects the artistic passion of its craftsmen.
This art form found its way to Kashmir in the 15th Century, introduced by a Kashmiri Prince who had spent years in captivity in Samarkand, Central Asia. The art, originally rooted in Persia, gained immense favour among the Mughal Emperors during the 15th and 16th Century.
In contemporary times, Paper Mache has evolved into a highly stylized and captivating craft. It now incorporates genuine gold and silver paint, along with intricate embellishments, rendering it even more appealing. The designs and motifs adorning Kashmiri Paper Mache pieces, often featuring flowers and birds, carry a distinctive Persian influence. These designs are brilliantly adorned with a vibrant array of colors.

Toda embroidery, rooted in the traditions of the Toda tribe in Tamil Nadu, is characterized by its elegantly simple geometric motifs, drawing inspiration from elements of nature such as the sun and stars. Artisans employ the "herringbone stitch" or "Pukhoor" technique, skillfully crafting seamless patterns with a limited color palette of red, black, and white. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Toda embroidery holds profound cultural and spiritual significance, playing an integral role in traditional rituals, particularly during weddings.
These exquisite designs, infused with symbols drawn from their natural environment, serve as a poignant representation of the Toda community's rich history and artistic brilliance.

Bengal Mat Weaving, an age-old craft hailing from West Bengal, is dedicated to fashioning eco-friendly mats and floor coverings using natural fibers like jute, reed, and grass.
Artisans adeptly weave these materials by hand, crafting intricate patterns that serve as a testament to their creativity and mastery of this traditional art form. The weaving process involves meticulous interlacing of fibres, yielding durable and visually appealing mats that are not only biodegradable but also sustainable.
Bengal mats are renowned for their cooling properties, making them particularly well-suited for hot and humid climates, offering comfort and respite. Beyond their practicality, this craft carries profound cultural significance, with knowledge and techniques passed down through generations, thereby safeguarding Bengal's rich cultural heritage.

Terracotta art in West Bengal stands as an ancient craft, where skilled artisans craft and sculpt clay to fashion exquisite figurines, pottery, and architectural embellishments.
This art form, deeply rooted in Bengal's culture and heritage, is renowned for its intricate sculptures and temples that narrate mythological tales, especially those from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, along with episodes from the life of Lord Krishna.
Distinguished by its vibrant red hue, achieved through high-temperature clay baking, Bengal's terracotta art has been influenced by a blend of cultural traditions, harmonizing elements from indigenous, Islamic, and European styles. It extends its reach beyond temples, encompassing pottery, ornamental items, and decorative tiles.

Gullakaari conducts workshop on Cheriyal painting, an ancient Indian art form that originates from the village of Cheriyal in Telangana. Its history can be traced back to the 15th century when it first emerged. Initially, it served as a means of storytelling, employing scrolls as visual aids to narrate tales from revered epics such as the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and other mythological sagas.
This corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative aims to empower rural artisans from Cheriyal village who are grappling with the challenge of reviving a beautiful yet endangered art form that is crucial to their livelihood. The initiative has the potential to create a significant and positive impact aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG 1: Eradicating Poverty and UN SDG 8: Promoting Decent Work and Economic Growth.