Gandhinagar: Prime Minister Narendrabhai Modi never misses an opportunity to promote handicrafts and craft artists. The Prime Minister during his Bali, Indonesia visit to attend G20 summit and hold bilateral on the sidelines gifted crafts of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh to Prime Ministers and Presidents he held talks with.

Gift to : United Kingdom

Mata Ni Pachedi (Ahemdabad)

Mata Ni Pachedi is a handmade textile of Gujarat meant to be an offering in the temple shrines which house the Mother Goddess. The name is derived from the Gujarati words ‘Mata’ meaning ‘mother goddess’, ‘Ni’ meaning ‘belonging to’ and ‘Pachedi’ meaning ‘backdrop’. The goddess forms the central figure in the design, flanked by other elements of her story. Mata Ni Pachedi was crafted by the nomadic community of Waghris as a homage to the various incarnations of Mata, the divine singular form on the goddess from whom the others emanate and display narrative depictions of epics of Mata or Devi or Shakti.

Gift to : Australia

Pithora (Chhota Udaipur)

A Phithora is a ritualistic tribal folk art by the Rathwa artisans from Chhota Udaipur in Gujarat. It is a living testament of an ever-changing ethos exemplifying highly enriched folk and tribal art culture of Gujarat. These painting are depiction of the cave paintings that tribals used to make reflecting the social, cultural and mythological life and beliefs of those tribals. It incorporates all the nature’s bounty enmeshed with various aspects of human civilization encased in a childlike delight of discovery. A Pithora as a mural has a special significance in the annals of the cultural anthropology. It brings a sense of exuberant energy in colour dating back to mankind’s earliest expressions in creativity.

These paintings bear a striking resemblance the Aboriginal dot painting from the indigenous communities of Australia.

Gift to : Italy

Patan Patola Dupatta (scarf) (Patan)

The (Double Ikat) Patan Patola textile woven by the Salvi family in Patan area of Northern Gujarat is so well crafted that it becomes a feast of colours, with the front and the reverse being indistinguishable. Patole is a term derived from the Sanskrit word “Pattu” meaning silk fabric that can be traced back to ancient times. The complex motifs placed in this exquisite Dupatta (scarf) are inspired from the ‘Rani ki Vav’, a stepwell in Patan, built in 11th century AD, which is an architectural marvel known for its precision, details and beautiful sculptural panels.

The Patan Patola Dupatta is packed in a ‘Sadeli’ box, which in itself is a decorative piece. Sadeli is a highly skilled wood craft, native to Surat area of Gujarat. It involves precisely cutting geometric patterns on wooden articles to produce aesthetically appealing designs.

Gift to : France, Germany, Singapore

Agate Bowl (Khambhat)

Gujarat is known for its agate craft. The semi-precious stone formed of chalcedonic-silica, is found in underground mines of Rajpipla and Ratanpur in riverbeds, and extracted to produce a variety of ornamental objects. Its flexibility allows the traditional and skilled craftsperson to transform the stone into a range of products, making it very popular. This precious traditional craft has been passed down through generation of artisans since the Indus Valley civilization days and is currently practised by Artisans of Khambat. Agate can be seen in various contemporary designs as home decor objects as well as fashion jewellery. The healing powers attributed to agate stones have sustained the use of agate over centuries.

Gift to : Indonesia

1. Silver Bowl (Surat)

The unique and finely crafted bowl is made of pure silver. This is a centuries old craft perfected by the traditional and highly skilled metalsmiths of Surat region in Gujarat The process is highly elaborate, using precision, patience and skilled handwork, that captures the ingenuity and creativity of the artisans. The process of creating even the simplest of silver products is an intricate one and can involve a group of four to five people. This marvellous combination of art and utility adds charm and elegance to contemporary and traditional ensembles.

2. Kinnauri Shawl (Kinnaur)

Kinnauri shawl, as name suggests, are the specialties of the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. With its roots in the ancient tradition of wool milling and textile manufacturing in the region. The designs show influence from Central Asia and Tibet. The shawls are made using the extra-weft technique of weaving.- with every element of the design woven using the knotting method -where the weft is inserted by hand and to lock the design, producing the lift in the pattern formed.