WB govt sets up museum on puppetry, 'kantha', tribal heritage

The West Bengal government dedicated a museum to showcase state's rich art of 'kantha' (embroidery) and puppetry, besides reflecting upon its tribal heritage by allocating a section on 'ethnography.'
Housed at the Cultural Research Institute (CRI) complex in Kankurgachi area, a combined museum with three sections were launched yesterday by state Backward Classes Welfare Minister Upendra Nath Biswas.
The puppet section displays work on relevant social themes by about 20 contemporary puppeteers, belonging to backward class, from three districts - Nadia, West Midnapore and South 24 Parganas.
30 contemporary artisans from Birbhum district used century-old design patterns to showcase their work of art at 'kantha' (embroidery design) section of the museum.

With the help of NGO 'Art Illuminates Mankind', the CRI ethnographic museum has been revived by introducing enhanced decoration techniques.
This museum has put on display nearly 500 composite types of ethnographic specimens to offer a panoramic view of the state's tribal lifestyle. Most of them are bio-degradable thus needing more attention and specialised care.

The minister also inaugurated a three-day workshop on 'Arts of Banga: An Ethnological Heritage Re-Appraisal 2015' on puppetry, 'kantha' and woodwork.
A book titled 'Banger Kantha' ('kanthas' of Bengal) - highlighting the rich heritage of 'kantha' designs in the state was launched.
The book is a pictorial depiction of many beautiful embroidery works of Bengal over the ages.