T For Terracotta Craft of Asharikandi

Terracotta is a type of fired natural clay. It can be counted amongst the oldest handicrafts in the world as it is regarded as the oldest medium of expression among all other mediums.Asharikandi in Dhubri district of western Assam is the largest cluster village in the whole of India where pottery and terracotta are produced. They produce a number of terracotta items inspired from past traditions, beliefs, rituals, practices and present day demands. Before the partition of India, a few potter families from Pabna District of East Bengal i.e. present-day Bangladesh, migrated to Asharikandi.During the rainy season of Ashar (third month as per the Assamese calendar), heavy rainfall causes floods in this low-lying area and the potters face extremely trying conditions. They can neither make nor dry or store their products safely. Things are so difficult that it makes them shed tears (kandi). Thus, the name Asharikandi.Artistic skill, quality of hira mati, climatic conditions and age-old tradition of kumbhakaras (potters) of Asharikandi have enabled them to retain a separate identity of Asharikandi-style of terracotta..The process of making this and the ingredients used to make it are also essential in it, each having its unique identity. Among the raw materials required for terracotta are —Hira mati or Aithal mati which is collected from the river side of Silaipar about 18 to 20 km from AsharikandiSandCaustic soda is used to remove toxic elements from the clayA colour called KoshStraw and wood for fuelThey use simple traditional tools like the kodal (spade), knives to cut out simple designs, khota (an important thin tool of bamboo used for removing the impurities of the clay) and simple brushes to paint the terracotta figures.The clay is soaked for two to four hours or overnight. The craftsmen manually remove organic particles or other sievable impurities from the clay. Then the raw clay (80%) is mixed with water, sand (20%) and caustic soda to avoid cracks or bends when it is put under the sun to dry. The craftsmen then knead the clay with their hands and feet to obtain elasticity of the clay. The process goes on for 1-2 hours and only then the clay is ready for use.Depending on the type or the shape of the object to be made, various means are employed - potters wheel, coiling and pinching techniques etc. to give the desired shape. The objects are then sun dried and a coat of kabish (a kind of slip glaze prepared by processing red clay) is applied. Finally, the objects are fired or baked in the traditional kiln at medium temperature..The women folk actively participate in the process of making terracotta items. The division of labour is distributed between a couple. The husband collects the clay, sand and fuel for the kiln, and prepares the clay while the wife makes the figures from the initial stage to the chasing. Firing is done by both of them.The most famous and well-known product is the mother and child (mao-bacha putul) with its unique local identity. This is called the hatima doll because the mother is shaped with elephant-like ears. The hatima doll carries the child in her left hand and a pradipdani in her right hand. This doll has a unique face, ears, ornamentation and physical structure and can easily be identified from other mother and child figures from other regions of India, such as West Bengal. Other forms that are made widely are mother deities and other gods, animal forms and famous personalities.These decorative and utility items from this tiny town of Assam are not only super sustainable but also not too heavy on the pocket. Let's shop beyond Indian cities; lets shop from Indian villages!