MGM Foundation x BEADS
OCO Fellowship Programme 2024 - 25
This project aims to document and celebrate the rich bell metal craft traditions of Odisha, focusing on artisan clusters across various districts. Through close collaboration with local craftspeople, it explores the histories, methods, and cultural meanings embedded in the craft. The focus is on preserving traditional knowledge and the unique vocabulary that defines this heritage practice.
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A collaboration between
OCO Fellowship 2024 - 25 started on
15th January
MGM Foundation
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Fellowship list:
Satyabhama Majhi, Bilash Sardar, and Kirti Kumari
Bhubaneswar Experiment Art And Design Studio
Our Story
Odisha Craft Odyssey (OCO) is a collaborative programme between MGM Foundation and BEADS. The project envisions creating an inclusive cultural platform that highlights the craft practices of Odisha, challenging the conventional hierarchies between fine arts and crafts in South Asia.
Odisha Craft Odyssey
Tribal painting of Dongria Kondh from Niyamgiri
The Bell Metal Craft of Odisha
Metal crafts in Odisha boast a rich history, flourishing since the Ganga Dynasty in the 11th century and continuously developing to this day. The village of Balakati in Khordha district stands out for its traditional production of brass, bell-metal utensils, and temple articles. This craft is said to have truly taken root around 1400 AD.
Brass and bell metal, considered “pure” metals, are the primary materials for these utensils. Stepping into Balakati, you’ll be greeted by the rhythmic sounds of hammering and the focused energy of craftspeople.
