Wrought Iron Shehnai Players

Name: Wrought Iron Shehnai Players
Brand: WILLAGE
Price: 60.0 USD
Availability: InStock

$60.00

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Hand-forged in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, India, these wrought iron shehnai players capture the soulful rhythm of tribal celebrations. Crafted entirely by hand using an ancient technique now protected under India’s Geographical Indication registry, each figurine is shaped without molds, guided only by the artisan’s skill and intuition.

The shehnai, a traditional wind instrument, is often played during weddings, festivals, and community gatherings, its music carrying blessings and joy. These figures honor that tradition—symbolizing unity, cultural pride, and the enduring role of music in Bastar’s way of life.

Origin

India

Origin

India

MATERIALS

Wrought Iron

MATERIALS

Wrought Iron

STORY

Bastar wrought iron craft is more than an art form—it is a living expression of the tribal identity, beliefs, and traditions of the Bastar region in Chhattisgarh, India. Practiced for generations, this craft traces its roots to the indigenous communities who once forged tools and weapons for survival, gradually evolving their skill into an intricate art that reflects everyday life, rituals, and celebrations.

The figures—often musicians, dancers, and deities—serve as visual storytellers, preserving oral histories and cultural narratives. Music-themed pieces, like the drummer, symbolize the central role of rhythm and song in Bastar’s social fabric, where festivals, harvests, and spiritual ceremonies are inseparable from music and dance.

Forged entirely by hand without modern machinery, the process itself is an act of cultural preservation. It honors the intimate connection between maker and material, echoing the community’s harmony with nature and their resourceful use of locally sourced iron. Recognized with Geographical Indication (GI) status, this craft is not only an artistic tradition but also a protected cultural heritage, safeguarding the skills, stories, and identity of Bastar’s tribal artisans for future generations.

STORY

Bastar wrought iron craft is more than an art form—it is a living expression of the tribal identity, beliefs, and traditions of the Bastar region in Chhattisgarh, India. Practiced for generations, this craft traces its roots to the indigenous communities who once forged tools and weapons for survival, gradually evolving their skill into an intricate art that reflects everyday life, rituals, and celebrations.

The figures—often musicians, dancers, and deities—serve as visual storytellers, preserving oral histories and cultural narratives. Music-themed pieces, like the drummer, symbolize the central role of rhythm and song in Bastar’s social fabric, where festivals, harvests, and spiritual ceremonies are inseparable from music and dance.

Forged entirely by hand without modern machinery, the process itself is an act of cultural preservation. It honors the intimate connection between maker and material, echoing the community’s harmony with nature and their resourceful use of locally sourced iron. Recognized with Geographical Indication (GI) status, this craft is not only an artistic tradition but also a protected cultural heritage, safeguarding the skills, stories, and identity of Bastar’s tribal artisans for future generations.