Panchmura, is famous for Terracotta art, which comes from the Italian term “baked earth,” has evolved for centuries from the ruins of the Indus Valley Civilization. The ancient art—which takes on a brownish or rusty red appearance—was initially employed to adorn walls, vessels and then the canvases carried aboard Japanese boats during the Edo period. More than three kilometres off Bishnupur in West Bengal, the hamlet of Panchmura is home to the still vibrant tradition today.

The Evolution of Panchmura’s Terracotta Art

Historical Roots: The terracotta art of Bankura has an elaborate and intriguing historical back-story. Its roots are in religious ceremony where it was mostly used for temple decorations.
Royal Patronage: This region was ruled by the Malla Kingdom which helped a lot in promoting the cultural activities. They called high-caste Brahmins, skilled craftsmen and masons down to Bishnupur, and brought trade and commerce to the region through culture and religion.
Modern-Day Artisans: Today that training runs in more compared to 70 family members in the village of Panchmura. A small number of these have sustained the craft and called Kumbhakar.

Craftsmanship and Community

Manual Process: The artisans of Panchmura strictly adhere to traditional methods & techniques, avoiding technological interventions. The entire process involves clay refining and mixing, molding, drying, and firing.
Etel Mati: A special type of clay, Etel mati, is sourced from Panchmura. This clay is very crucial for the durability and quality of the terracotta products. They often stores this mati at their village open premises, so they can use as per their requirement.
Chaka Puja: The potters commence their work after mid-May, following a ritualistic worship of their wheels, known as chaka puja. This practice underscores the cultural and spiritual significance of their craft

The Role of Women & Community

Equal Participation: Pottery in Panchmura is a family endeavor, with women playing a vital role in all aspects of the process. Their involvement extends to participating in various trade fairs across the country and making of the products. The communal aspect of this craft is evident, as the entire village contributes to the production and marketing of terracotta products.

Terracotta Products

Diverse Range: The products crafted by the Panchmura artisans include jewellery, home decor items, and religious idols. Famous items include the Ghora (Horse), Kathakali Ghora, Tribal music sets, and idols of Hindu deities like Maa Durga, Maa Saraswati, Shree Ganesh, and Hati.

Cultural Influence: The proximity to Santal art and culture infuses these products with a unique tribal aesthetic, making them distinctive and culturally rich.

Preserving the Tradition

Training and Festivals: To sustain and propagate their craft, the Kumbhakars of Panchmura offer training to others and organize an annual Terracotta Festival in November. This festival showcases their work and includes workshops to educate and engage visitors.
Awards and Recognition: Many Panchmura artisans have received national and international accolades for their terracotta art, highlighting the global recognition of their skill and dedication.

Challenges and Adaptations

Changing Times: Despite their best efforts, the number of terracotta artisans has dwindled from over 300-400 to just around 70 families. Many have transitioned to other trades due to economic pressures.
Market Adaptation: The artisans continuously incorporate new designs to meet contemporary market demands, ensuring the relevance of their products in today’s world.

Supporting the Artisans

Bekaarstreet.com: Platforms like Bekaarstreet.com play a crucial role in promoting and supporting the artisans of Panchmura. They provide a marketplace for eco-friendly handcrafted terracotta products, ensuring fair trade and visibility.
Global Reach: These platforms help the artisans reach a broader audience, ensuring their hard work, dedication, and passion are recognized and appreciated worldwide.

In conclusion, the terracotta art of Panchmura is a vibrant testament to Bengal’s rich cultural heritage. Despite modern challenges, the dedication of the Kumbhakars ensures that this ancient craft continues to thrive, captivating the world with its timeless beauty and cultural significance. By supporting these artisans, we help preserve a valuable art form for future generations.