Documentation is an area of expertise of CCI since it is an important requirement in the main objective of revival of traditional crafts.

Stone crafts

In 1990, CCI documented the status of the stone crafts of India with support of the DC(H). Seven design graduates from NID with a working knowledge of their regions were hired to cover the 19 states of the country. Six volumes of stone documentation were compiled with data covering an exhaustive account of raw material, crafts persons, history, existing tools, production methods and the present day status. The document was published in two volumes entitled "Stone Craft of India", 13 years later when CCI could arrange financial assistance from the Department of Culture, Government of India. "Stone Crafts of India" is today an important source book for persons in the building, quarrying and craft industries and is perhaps the most significant documentation undertaking in the craft sector, offering a model for other efforts. The book is available at the Crafts Council of India and details can be viewed on www.stonecraftindia.org

Wood

CCI has completed a preliminary survey of craftspersons in Tamil Nadu and Kerala practicing the craft of painted carved wooden figures. This exercise is part of a plan for revival of this craft in south India.

Another large project on the anvil is that of documentation of wood crafts through out India. This is being planned on the scale of the documentation of stone crafts.

Vacancy - Principal Researcher
Handicrafts and Handloom Estimation Projects

The handicraft sector in India has been documented profusely from a perspective of historical, heritage and design aspects. However, its real contribution to rural livelihoods and the national economy has not been comprehensively estimated or evaluated. There is a need for a comprehensive study of the sector to unveil its true dimensions – the numbers and distribution of people, the changes over time in their demographic profile and activities, the current status of their activities and livelihoods, and a true picture of their contribution to the national economy. CCI is taking responsibility for such a study.

The Handicrafts and Handlooms Estimation Project is shortly being launched by the CCI. This promises to be a globally unique national study of great relevance to the current meltdown of capitalism and renewed interest in cultural and social aspects of development.
We need a Principal Researcher to head this study. Interested? Click here