SHOLA PITH IS the art of making objects from thesoft,porous,light and supple pith of the shola stem.
This water plant grows in lakes ,ponds and wetlands;and is partly submerged in the water. The outer skin is brown
and is peeled off to use the soft portion from the core. The core is sliced into strips,which can be shaped
according to the artist`s imagination.The process is simple,but the craftsmanship requires a steady hand and
great skill. In west Bengal,these artisans are called malakars.Shola pith items form an integral part of the
major religious rituals in West Bengal. Skillful hand shape this stem into many objects such as models of
temples,churches and mosques,carved images of Durga in Bengal,Wedding headgear,idols of
gods and goddesses,flowers,garlands,display objects and toys.
and is peeled off to use the soft portion from the core. The core is sliced into strips,which can be shaped
according to the artist`s imagination.The process is simple,but the craftsmanship requires a steady hand and
great skill. In west Bengal,these artisans are called malakars.Shola pith items form an integral part of the
major religious rituals in West Bengal. Skillful hand shape this stem into many objects such as models of
temples,churches and mosques,carved images of Durga in Bengal,Wedding headgear,idols of
gods and goddesses,flowers,garlands,display objects and toys.
Pith gowing in the lotus plantation
People of Bolpur (Shantiniketan)
Malakars, the garland makers
and The Shola flower
Preparations for Durgo Pujo
Kumartuli, the busy lanes echoing with artistic and festive notes
The amount of detailing that can be achieved with the material
Made by Master Craftsman Kamal Malakar
Hand movements of craftsmen at different stages
