Goa is famous for its local handicraft items and its dexterous artisans. The most typical Goan souvenirs include terracotta, shell work, bamboo work, papier-mache, brassware, crochet, carved furniture etc. available at the Government and State Emporiums and also the shopping stalls by the beachside or major tourist destinations in Goa.
Goan workers are also an expert at wooden articles which are beautified in festive colours like red, green, yellow and white by extremely skilled craftsmen from Cuncunolim, South Goa. These colorful objects are called chitaris.
The Mapusa Friday market is full of beautiful hand-made stuffs made of raw wood. Wooden products like the coir mats, wood furniture, exquisite wooden carvings and hats made of straw are found here. Apart from the local markets, you can also try the Government Emporia and also the small stalls and shops near popular tourist spots of Goa.
Creativity is also exhibited in Goan brassware as a large number of expert brass workers at Corlim, Mapusa, specialize in the exquisite candelabrum-like brass oil lamps called samai. These vary from the foot-high, four-branched avatar to many-branched items. Brass lamp-trees and storks are bound to impress a connoisseur .Similarly, silversmiths and goldsmiths of Goa are known the world over for their craftsmanship.While utensils of utility are made of sheet metal (copper), brass metal casting is a craft passed on from one generation to another .The items produced include oil lamps in various designs, candle stands, temple towers, church bells, ashtrays, etc.
The items produced are cradels, babycarts, toys, corner stands, etc.
Last Updated on 4th October 2010
