Bonga Elephants-This Beautiful Terracotta Art Form was Dedicated to Tribal Deity
Throughout the world, West Bengal’s terracotta craft is renowned for its rustic charm and pastoral ambiance. These clay-modeled items are made with natural colors and are created with clay. Malla rulers reigned during the 16th-17th century, during which the art flourished. Bishnupur’s temple is a magnificent example of the terracotta art of Bengal, which is on the list of sites to be included in the World Heritage list. The art of terracotta has been practiced in different parts of West Bengal. Belia elephants from Birbhum and Bonga Elephants from Bankura are famous for their elephant-inspired crafts, which are made in Birbhum and Bankura.
How the Bonga art form got its name
Tribals in Bankura used to make the Bonga elephants and dedicate them to Singh Bonga, a Santhali god, at a place called Zaher. A distinctive feature of the elephant doll is its round shape, which is unlike any other doll. This is a remarkable piece of terracotta art due to its distinctive design, extraordinary symmetry, and minutely detailed details.
Hathi means elephant, of course. An interesting detail about these decorative terracotta elephants is their history. Originally created by folk artisans in Hooghly, these clay Bonga Elephants masterpieces were quickly adopted by the skilled artisans of Bishnupur, known as the terracotta capital of ancient Bengal.
History of the Bonga Artform
The town of Mallabhum was known as the art hub during the era of the Malla dynasty in Bishnupur. There were many horses and elephants in the royal stables in Mallabhum, which were used as forms of transportation and as symbols of power, influence, and dignity. The more animals there were, the more powerful the ruler was.
Various ornaments were adorning the animals, and they were faithfully and intricately replicated from the intricate designs of the Bonga Hathi figurines. Both the finesse and grandeur of Bishnupur’s clay art make it a popular craft around the world. ‘Bonga Hathi’, which we proudly stock, depicts a round-shaped elephant with an elaborate trunk and a striking shape that borders on abstract art.
Revival of the Bonga sculptures
Art collectors and even regular individuals with a flair for design look for bespoke Terracotta Art and decor to place in their homes. The demand for such handicraft masterpieces continues to rise today, and customers can even purchase them online, like most other items. In recent years, Biswa Bangla MSME company has been taking initiatives to promote handicrafts and textiles in the West Bengal region of India.
The MSME & Textiles Department of West Bengal, India, established the social enterprise in 2014. On a larger scale, the initiative aims to develop artisans and weavers in Bengal so that they will be able to operate independently and thrive.
The MSME has even set up a chain of shops selling Bonga elephant statues and other forms of Terracotta Art; in fact, Bonga designs can be found all over the place, including other terracotta items like home items, stationery, decor, and handmade gifts.
Contributed by Esther Gonsalves
