Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya under its popular summer series of ‘Do and learn’ educational programmes commenced the training workshop of Papermache Doll making of Manipur till 28th May, 2017. In this workshop traditional Manipur Dollmakers, O Neelkamal and TH Tulachandra are imparting training of this craft.
Manipur is a land of toys and dolls. Cane and Bamboo are abundantly available in Manipur, whereas cane and bamboo are extensively used for furniture, basketry etc. But the crafty people of Manipur do not let these leftover pieces go waste, by making dolls and toys. The resemblance of Manipur dolls to famous characters of mythology and history are impeccable.
The very concept of doll making took birth in India for different reasons just like in any other country, the principal one being the religious angle, wherever there is image worship. It started with the making of images of deities by artisans who made them with devotion. The tradition continues today as many artisans earn their brand for entire year during festive occasions. Another impetus behind doll craft is credited to rich people or rulers who get their own replicas made, expecting others to worship, which is again a semi-religious and semi-social factor in a feudal society. The third reason is of course the dolls being made as toys for children to play with, of various designs and colour that attract them. Often certain dolls are made and used as part of educational programmes.
Under the Makinf process, thin Bamboo or grass straws with natural fibre is given shapes followed by covering of prepared paper mache, later decorated by local available colours, cloths and artificial jewellery.