Our Artisans

Know Our Artisans


The Malnad region, located in the heart of Karnataka, is known for its rich tradition of handicrafts and rural artistry. The artisans here preserve cultural heritage while supporting local livelihoods. These artisans are the backbone of local craft initiatives and play a major role in exhibitions like Pushpa Siri Utsava and district handicraft fairs.

Woodcarvers

Traditional wood carving artisans from regions like Sagara (famous for temple and heritage wood carving) are often referred to as:

  • Shilpakars
  • Sthapathis (especially for temple architecture and sculpture work)


The skilled artisans behind Sagara Wood Carvings in Malnad are known for intricate temple-style carvings and heritage designs.

Potters

In regions like Shivamogga and Malnad, terracotta deepa makers are usually:

  • Traditional potter families
  • Rural clay craft artisans
  • Temple lamp artisans

Weavers

In regions like Shivamogga and the surrounding Malnad areas, banana fibre workers are usually:

  • Women Self-Help Group (SHG) members
  • Eco-craft artisans
  • Sustainable fibre craft makers

Terracotta Jewellery Artisans

In areas like Shivamogga, terracotta jewellery is often crafted by:

  • Women Self-Help Group (SHG) artisans
  • Rural clay craft designers
  • Sustainable eco-jewellery makers

Bidriware Artists

Bidri craft originated in Bidar, Karnataka, and the artisans are traditionally skilled in:

  • Zinc alloy casting
  • Silver inlay work
  • Oxidation finishing technique

Kinnal Painting Artists

Kinnal craft comes from Kinnal village in the Koppal district of Karnataka.

It is known for:

  • Wooden temple models
  • Mythological figurines
  • Traditional lacquered toys
  • Religious panel paintings

Leather Craft Artisans

Chickballapura leather craft is associated with traditional shadow puppetry art, also known as Togalu Gombeyaata.

The artisans create:

  • Intricately cut and painted leather puppets
  • Decorative leather panels
  • Handcrafted leather accessories

Cotton Rug Weavers

Navalgund Durrie is a traditional hand-woven rug craft from Navalgund, in Dharwad district, Karnataka.

This craft is known for:

  • Intricate geometric patterns
  • Reversible weaving technique
  • Cotton thread craftsmanship
  • Cultural and mythological motifs

Handcrafted Thread Artists

In regions like Shivamogga, macramé products are often made by:

  • Women Self-Help Group (SHG) artisans
  • Home-based fibre craft makers
  • Sustainable handmade décor creators

Folk Wall Painting Artists

Hase Chittara is a traditional ritual wall painting art practiced mainly by women of the Deewaru community in Karnataka.

It is especially found in parts of Shivamogga and the surrounding Malnad regions.

The artists traditionally:

  • Paint on mud walls using natural colours
  • Create geometric and symbolic patterns
  • Decorate homes during weddings, harvest festivals, and auspicious occasions

EXPLORE krafts of malnad

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Crafts of malnad

Managed by theZilla Panchayat, Shivamogga, Crafts of Malnad connects timeless craftsmanship with today’s world—preserving heritage, empowering artisans, and offering creations that embody authenticity, sustainability, and quiet luxury.