A Legacy Carved and Molded
Wood Craft
Emerging from ancient artisan hubs like Raghurajpur, Odisha’s wood and papier-mâché crafts are a centuries-old heritage intertwined with regional spirituality. These crafts originated as expressions of devotion tied to the Jagannath Temple, where craftsmen created sacred wood carvings and papier-mâché masks (Mukha Chitra) for rituals, classical dance, and folk theater.
Passed down through generations, the foundational techniques remain unchanged. Artisans utilize eco-friendly materials, binding discarded paper and cloth with natural tamarind seed gum. The creations are finished with organic stone pigments in the classical Pattachitra style. Today, these artifacts serve as a living archive of Odisha's mythology, preserving ancestral techniques and traditional Indian folk art.