Mud Works

Punjab a northern state of India, is famous for its art and crafts not only in the country but outside India. Mud Works is one of the handicrafts of Punjab. The Art and Crafts of Punjab are the reflection of the heritage and culture of Punjab.

The Mud Works is an ancient practice in Punjab. It is a skill of the artisans of Punjab to transfer dull objects into magnificent work of art. Generally it isa trend in Punjab to plaster the walls of the house with mud and then create different motifs and designs on them. These kind of works are generally performed by the rural women of Punjab. Earlier the Mud Works were done due to certain superstitions to keep away the evil spirits from the households. This art of painting mud walls is known as Chowk-Poorana in Punjab. Mainly the Mud Works were done during the festivals in the village, like the Navaratra poorna, Karva-Chauth, Hoi or Ahoi, and Diwali.

The art of Mud Works do not depend on any prior training but it depends on the skill of the individual. It is very feminine and a rural practice in Punjab. The Mud Works helps in beautification of the households. The village women also make paper mache utensils made from earth and paper pulp.

The Mud Works of Punjab are indigenous and the mud is obtained from the nearby water bodies like ponds. The clay is used to make pottery and toys for the children. The shape of the potteries dictate their usage. The pottery are sold by the village men to earn their living. It is a very traditional practice to make potteries and use them for various purposes in their daily life. These potteries are often decorated and painted very colorfully and vibrantly.