Did you know that Goa’s art and soil has got international recognition? Well, not just the tambdi matti, but Goa’s dying art – Kaavi art – has been selected for the upcoming craft demonstration and awareness programme at the World Heritage Committee Meeting by UNESCO, at New Delhi.
Goan Kaavi artist, Sagar Naik Mule, who is set to travel to Delhi later this month is excited, and reveals that this is one of the biggest opportunities one can get.
“Seeing Goa’s soil and art being recognised by people at an international level is really great,” says Sagar, who hails from the village of Adpai, in Ponda.
"Yes, there was a lot of struggle which went in, but the fruits of all my hard work are now being seen and documented not just in Goa, or India, but internationally. It’s an honour,” adds Sagar.
Goa’s dying art – Kaavi art – has been selected for the upcoming craft demonstration and awareness programme at the World Heritage Committee Meeting by UNESCO, at New Delhi.
A first-generation student in his family, he completed his Bachelors in Fine Art, and further completed his postgraduation in sculpting.
Sagar honed the skills of Kaavi art, and his journey of almost two decades is now bearing the fruits of his hard work.
The event is being held from July 21 to July 31, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan in the national capital.
“I’m not sure how I got selected for this programme. But, it’s an absolute honour to be there, as from the entire country just 18 artistes have been selected to be a part of the summit,” says Sagar modestly.
"This means that Kaavi art has the potential to reach places,” he mentions.
The practice began around 600 years ago and it originated from Goa. There is also research going on to have a GI tag for 'Kaavi' art.
Sagar Naik Mule, artist
Talking about Kaavi art, he explains that Kaav is the red soil which is derived from laterite stone. “The practice began around 600 years ago and it originated in Goa. There is also research going on to have a GI tag for Kaavi art,” he continues.
He adds, “Our ancestors used mud walls as a base of the canvas. They would apply putty before, which was made manually from sea shells. They used to fill it first and keep it for soaking and then mash it.”
Explaining further, he says, “To make it strong, they would mix jaggery and sand in it. After applying the putty, they used to apply a coat of Kaav (red soil) on it by mixing natural gum from a plant. And then, with the help of metal tools, they would make a design on it. And, that is how Kaavi art was born.”
The art is widely seen in temples, the homes of rich landlords and some churches. However, since it was a tedious and lengthy process, it gradually began to vanish.
It is at this point that Sagar stepped in to revive the art. And now, finally, it is set to receive not just national, but international recognition.