Bastar, in southern Chhattisgarh, is famous for her artisans & handicraft work that are both traditional and yet retained the purity of the tribal art forms & the ethnic art processes.
Artisan Silk Sarees designed with various tribal art that are traditional to the region of Bastar and has the traditional ways of handlooming & drawing are today known as Bastar Silk or Tusser Silk.
Bastar Dokra Art on Silk Sarees
Another ethnic name for the tribal art forms of this region is called Dokra. Sarees with tribal Dokra art are available in silk & also popularly called Dokra Silk Saree for it’s specific tribal art.
Tassar Silk Sarees (or Bastar Silk Sarees, Dokra Silk Sarees) are known for their eye catching natural golden colors and the wight & smooth silkiness that comes naturally to authentic silk sarees.
Tribal regions of Bastar have unique styles, designs and forms that reflect the traditional tribal lifestyles, religious beliefs and observances. Tribal & ethnic communities also emphasize some form of creative expression, which gives it a distinctive identity over the other ethnic communities in the surrounding areas.
To make the Bastar Silk Saree (or Dokra Silk Sarees, Tussar Silk Sarees) traditional tribal artisans pick cocoons from Oak, Arjuna and Sal trees for Tussar while another kind of silk are made from cocoons cultivated from mulberry trees.
After the silk is woven, the tribal artisans draw their ethnic designs by hand with natural herbal colors. The art could reflect their lifestyle, rituals, art and culture.
Dokra Silk Sarees are always dry cleaned for retaining the best colors and hue over time.
Other Bastar Art – Kosa Silk Sarees
While the Bastar Tassar Silk & Dokra Art & design are very particular to the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, there are other popular Silk Sarees from this central Indian tribal communities too, Kasa Silk being one.
Kosa Silk Sarees embodies a different type of designs and arts. Kosa Silk Sarees have a soft texture & purity and known for it’s dual golden brownish look. Kosa Silk is available naturally in shades of pale golden, dark honey, orange, fawn,cream and many more; all similar to the descriptions of dull golden brown.
Kosa Silk Sarees are always washed with mild washing gel using soft water at normal temperature.
