Orissa Hornwork

Orissa hornwork is one of the most well known crafts that are associated with the state. This craft of Orissa is one of the traditional crafts of the region. Therefore, it is a significant part of the rich cultural heritage of the place.

The hornwork of Orissa is completely handmade. The horns that are mostly used for making these articles belong to cows and buffaloes. The unique texture of the surface of the horns is used by the craftsmen to give shape to various mobile and immobile living and non-living things.

The ethnic groups like Santhals, Marijas and Orans are mainly engaged in the craft of hornwork at Oissa. Since the time ivory works have been banned, the artisans of these places have changed their domain from ivorywork to horn work. The traditional items formed with animal horns are statuettes of animals and birds.

The craftsmen of the two places of Paralakhemundi and Cuttack are specially reputed for creating extraordinary art pieces with animal horns. Some of the most popular statuettes of living things are fighting bulls, carnivorous animals running after preys, deer adoring her kids, fish feeding on cranes and elephants helping to move logs.

The above mentioned horn items of Orissa are meant for the purpose of decoration. Many functional items are also molded out of animal horns. Some of these items are pen stands, lamp stands and cigar pipes.

The people of Orissa also combine hornwork and silver work to create beautiful ornaments. Cuttack is well known for producing such jewelry.