Arts and Crafts of Goa

Arts of Goa
Goan art colorfully illustrates the unity in diversity of Goan heritage. Various art forms pertaining to different religious beliefs and life styles have mingled into one unique identity that has developed into Goan art. Thus one finds Hindu artists chiseling out Christian images in villages and cities. Goan art, developed around religious requirements, represents this process of assimilation, interdependence and mutual acceptability.

Goa is a proud place for lovers of Christian art as it houses Asia's first Museum of Christian Art at Rachol Seminary in Salcete Taluka. The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation of Lisbon, Portugal has provided funds for the restoration of this treasure-trove of Christian art objects.

Crafts of Goa
Goa does not lag behind as far as arts and crafts are concerned and has turned out a good competitor in this creative field just like any other art enriched state of India. It can be said that art virtually runs in their blood, which is manifested, in many artistic crafts that have attained commercial proportions. They make excellent souvenirs for tourists. Goan handicrafts include Creative Pottery, Shell Work, Furniture, Brass Work, Bamboo Work, Papier-Mache, etc.

These items are crafted by professional artisans in their ethnic ambience, and also by artisans working at the arts and crafts complex run by the government. They are sold through various handicraft emporia and all major tourist spots.

The art and craft of Goa is the product of the aesthetic blend of Portuguese and Indian cultures. The crafts of the state are intricately beautiful, capturing the fancies of tourists and locals alike. These crafts can be at best described as a mirror of Goa's perennial glory and beauty and they have carved a niche for themselves by winning critical acclaim of the connoisseurs of the art world. Click here for Art and Culture Tours in Goa

Major Art forms
The major art forms of Goa include bamboo craft, woodcarving, brass metals, seashell craft, Papier-Mache, and wooden lacquer ware. Other important crafts of the state include Jute Macrame, Fabric Collage, Plaster of Paris, Crochet and embroidery, fiber and Batik prints, fiber stone carving, Coconut shell carving, metal embossing, silver and imitation jewelry, cotton dolls, soft toys, woolen tapestry, and artistic weaving.

Types of Handicrafts
The major art forms of the state include bamboo craft, woodcarving, brass metals, seashell craft, Papier-Mache, and wooden lacquer ware. Other important crafts of the state include Jute Macrame, Fabric Collage, Plaster of Paris, Crochet and embroidery, fiber and Batik prints, fiber stone carving, Coconut shell carving, metal embossing, silver and imitation jewelry, cotton dolls, soft toys, woolen tapestry, and artistic weaving.