Nityananda Sahoo
Bell Metal Artisan
2024
Years Present:
Role:
Artisan

A veteran now in his 60s, Nityananda started working when he was a teen. He has deep ancestral roots in bell metal craftsmanship. Inheriting the skills and techniques passed down through generations. His father and forefathers were also kansa artisans, originally from Bahamari . His grandfather migrated to their current location i.e. Ganesh Nagar after marriage, establishing the family's legacy in the new settlement. For decades, Nityanand has been crafting kansa items such as Tasko/Tasanga (types of plates) and Gini ( a pair of clash cymbals), each reflecting the cultural and functional heritage of the region. His shala is almost 25 years old . 5 artisans work here. They currently focus on making tasko only. Tasko is commonly used by Harijan families in the area—who form a significant part of the local population—though other caste groups use it as well. Nityanand receives his orders mainly from a Sankar (intermediary), who supplies the products to a Sahukar (local merchant) based in Ganesh Nagar. The sahukar provides the necessary raw materials, including copper, tin, and sometimes old kansa for recycling. Shyamasundar Sahu (B.1975), Aditya Sahu (B.1975), Hemanta Sahu (B.1961),Gunanidhi Sahoo (B.1965) work with Nityananda.