Sawantwadi is famous for its colorful wooden crafts made especially from Pangira (Indian coral tree) wood. The migrated Chitrari community is making wooden toys, and replicas of fruits, vegetables, and objects as per local and traditional needs. Due to the unavailability of raw materials, man power, and market demand, Sawantwadi crafts are facing issues to survive in the market which is affecting artisans, crafts retailers, and Sawantwadi crafts businesses. Hence, many of the artisans are changing their occupations to survive. Another challenge is that this type of craft needs to compete with PVC toys, wood toys exported from foreign countries which are comparatively cheaper. This study seeks to investigate the craftsmen’s perspective and demonstrate how these crafts might be saved. Additionally, this study tests the variables in a qualitative way by conducting 12 personal detailed interviews with craft professionals. This technique enables an enhanced understanding of the craft process, which has not been done previously. The findings demonstrate support for the qualitative research tool providing a deeper understanding of the toy-making process. This study will be the first one to collaborate with the designers and make new applications, which can compete with toy competitors. The ultimate objective is to combine innovation and tradition to improve artists’ livelihoods and protect this unique trade. The research not only identifies problems with Sawantwadi crafts but also suggests a way to revive them and preserve their cultural history.

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Reviving Sawantwadi’s Colorful Legacy: Exploring Artisan Perspectives on Traditional Wood Crafts

  • Omkar Sadashiv Rane,
  • Suyash Khaneja

摘要

Sawantwadi is famous for its colorful wooden crafts made especially from Pangira (Indian coral tree) wood. The migrated Chitrari community is making wooden toys, and replicas of fruits, vegetables, and objects as per local and traditional needs. Due to the unavailability of raw materials, man power, and market demand, Sawantwadi crafts are facing issues to survive in the market which is affecting artisans, crafts retailers, and Sawantwadi crafts businesses. Hence, many of the artisans are changing their occupations to survive. Another challenge is that this type of craft needs to compete with PVC toys, wood toys exported from foreign countries which are comparatively cheaper. This study seeks to investigate the craftsmen’s perspective and demonstrate how these crafts might be saved. Additionally, this study tests the variables in a qualitative way by conducting 12 personal detailed interviews with craft professionals. This technique enables an enhanced understanding of the craft process, which has not been done previously. The findings demonstrate support for the qualitative research tool providing a deeper understanding of the toy-making process. This study will be the first one to collaborate with the designers and make new applications, which can compete with toy competitors. The ultimate objective is to combine innovation and tradition to improve artists’ livelihoods and protect this unique trade. The research not only identifies problems with Sawantwadi crafts but also suggests a way to revive them and preserve their cultural history.