Jute Handicraft

Handicraft is a traditional sector of craft making applies to a wide range of creative and design activities that are related to making things with one's hands and skill, including work with textiles, moldable and rigid materials, paper, plant fibers, clay etc.

One of the oldest and famous handicraft of India is jute handicraft. "Jute" is the name of the plant or fiber used to make burlap, hessian, or gunny cloth. Jute is one of the most affordable natural fibers in the amount produced and variety of uses. Jute fibers are composed primarily of the plant materials cellulose and lignin. Jute fiber falls into the bast fiber category The industrial term for jute fiber is raw jute. The fibers are off-white to brown and 1 to 4 meters that is 3 to13 feet long. Jute is also called the "golden fiber" for its color and high cash value. Jute is a long, soft, shiny bast fiber that can be spun into coarse, strong threads. It is 100% biodegradable and recyclable.it is Cultivated in the eastern states of india with Bengal being its highest producer.

Jute is one of the most affordable fibers used in the manufacturing of various products and handicrafts all over the world. India is the largest producer of jute and jute products. India is also home to many skillful and trained people who excellently cater to the demands of the buyer of Jute products. Jute handicrafts made from jute are very appealing and are just perfect to adorn the favorite corners of your home, offices, restaurants, hotels, and so forth. Varieties of utility based handicrafts & articles are made from jute that not only augments the household but also finds extensive use. The handmade jute crafts are available in a wide range of colors, designs, shapes, and sizes. Jute industry also provides employement to thousands of farmers, artisans and traders who are involved in making infinite varieties of jute crafts and artefacts.

The usage of Jute as a raw material unfurled its existence in the ancient Indian scriptures namely 'Manu Samhita' and 'Mahabharata'. Evidence of the trade of jute cloth in the 16th century still whispers from the pages of history. "Ain-i-akbari" in 1590 mentions sackcloth originating from Bengal.The developing heaven of jute craft marks its accomplishment on the sweet note of it being granted a permanent entry to the middle class domesticity. From chappals, briefcase, lamp shade, flower vase to jewellery, jacket jute craft is indeed Pandora's Box, once one is instigated by the aristocratic grandeur less is the chance to abstain from! Even carpet calendar, belt, handmade paper, bags, wall flap, table mat, cushions cover, durries, greeting card are catered to Indian shoppaholics .

 

In India jute craft is impregnated with a rich past. Before transmuted as a commodity used for commercial exploration jute had its utilitarian usage amidst the globe to make household and farm implements such as ropes, hand made clothes, wall hangings, etc. The jute craft has developed in India centring the Eastern India. Bengal revelled in sacks and saris made of jute were usually used in the Middle Age producing maximum jute .globally. Export of jute sacks as an essential commodity started in the 18th century. 

Early nineteenth century marked an epoch in history with Bengal topping the chart and earning the title of the home of jute handicrafts from India. Craftsmen here create a myriad of utilitarian items made from jute. Madhya Pradesh is also known for Jute craft from Bhopal, Indore and Gwalior, which include hanging lamps, baskets, flower vases, purses, table mats and footwear etc. An elegant range of home decor and furnishings like cushion covers, table covers; tea cozies etc are available as attractive jute crafts. Exquisite and colourful jute floorings, Garments made out of woven jute fibre are hugely in demand for its texture, design strikingly positioning themselves as popular crafty ingredients. Jute fabrics are decorated with tie and dye, embroidery and block printing. Jute has strategically placed itself as a status symbol with its characteristic feature of high availability in a developing country like India.

Indian states have taken initiative to promote the creativity and sales of jute crafts. The Pondicherry Pudhumai Handicraft Artisans Cooperative Society arranges for a sale of Pondicherry Jute Craft, twice a year at the Gandhi Thidal on Goubert Avenue in Pondicherry. The sale brings forth a range of artefacts via utility items bringing artisans under a unified umbrella for the overall development of the craftsmen. The artisans are provided with training in design and skill development to keep pace with the demands of time and cultural globalization.

Jute crafts include rugs, carpets, footwear, wine bottle bags, carry bags, handbags, wall hangings, jewelry, baskets, coasters, lamp shades, decorative articles and showpieces.

Designers are experimenting with various handmade jute products like the wall hanging, lampshades, mattress, door mats, flower pots, photo frames, wall decor, jute rope chandelier etc. to make the interiors look more appealing and at the same time, giving them an ethnic touch. These handicrafts are easy on the pocket of the buyers and also maintenance friendly. The items made from jute can be washed easily without any tension of damage thereby easing the cleaning problems. Jute handicrafts give a peaceful look to the interior, be it your home, office, a restaurant, hotel rooms etc. Other jute handicrafts include footwear, jewelry, wine bottle bags, wristbands, phone covers, boxes, trays, napkin rings, coasters etc. All these handicrafts have great demand in the national as well as international markets. Jute handicrafts are a big support for the rural people. The increasing demand of jute globally has reduced financial problems of the farmers. Farmers growing jute are getting enough returns to run their family. The workers making jute handicrafts are also able to survive with one job because of the boom in jute industry.

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