Bastar Iron Craft

The craft of wrought iron originated from the tribal land of Bastar in Chhattisgarh, when there was no civilization in these lands. It was occupied mainly by the tribal people. The wrought iron craft is unique in every aspect. The uniqueness of the product is also an important consideration for the geo graphical indication. The raw materials iron and coal are obtained from the natural resources of the Bastar district. The iron for the craft is obtained from the local quarry and melted by an indigenous process of the tribals. The coal they use also has special characteristics and is made indigenously by burning the wood of Sal tree. The craftsmen use only tribal motifs in their products. They are inspired by the figures they see in their day to day life, like, birds, elephants, monkeys, trees and tribal festivals.