SILVERWARE & OTHER METAL WORK
Silversmithing is a major craft of Rajkot, Gondal and Wankaner, all 3 in Rajkot district, and Bhuj, the capital of Kutch district. Silver tribal jewellery is best bought from Poshina near Ambaji and Iqbalgadh near Balaram, both in North Gujarat. Anjar in Kutch district is a major centre for other metalcrafts and Nirona also in Kutch district for coppersmithing.
WOOD CARVING
Like most other crafts, woodwork also thrives in Kutch district, specially in Dhorodo, Ludia and Dumado. Wood carving is also seen in Surat and wooden blocks are pierced for printing fabrics at Pethapur near Gandhinagar and Dhamakda in Kutch district.
TERRA COTTA
Pottery is one of the world’s oldest handicrafts. The Harappan artisans of Lothal created jars and utensils that can match contemporary ceramics elsewhere in the world. In Gujarat, the tribal areas of Chotta Udaipur and around Poshina in north Gujarat, are world famous for their terra cotta horses and pottery. Wankaner is known for it’s brick making. Morvi and Rajkot have a thriving ceramics industry. Kumbharwada(potter’s colonies), everywhere in Gujarat, make terra cotta utensils, flower pots and diyas. The one in Ahmedabad is at Wadaj.
STONE CUTTING
Cambay continues the tradition of stone jewellery specially agate and other semi precious stones which dates back some 7000 years in this region and reached high standards of development in Lothal between 2400-1600 BC. There are govt guest houses at Cambay and The Palace Utelia, a heritage hotel is around 50 kms from Cambay town.
The marble sculpture of Ambaji, the pretty patara boxes from Gondal, Jasdan, Bhavnagar and other places in Saurashtra, the hand painted fabrics of Ahmedabad and other handicrafts thrive in Gujarat. Cottage industries like clock making in Morvi, weighing scales of Savarkundla, harmonium reeds of Palitana, are other examples of Gujarati handiwork.
LAQUERED FURNITURE
Almost synonymous with Sankheda, a small town near Baroda, this includes glass topped tables, settees, cushioned chairs and swings of gaily painted wood, beside small temples, dandias(sticks for Garba), chappatti rollers and utensils. Best seen and bought at Sankheda near Baroda, Mahuva near Bhavnagar and in Kutch district. There is a good choice of accommodations at Baroda.
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