Site Name: Bhubaneswar
Date: 1990-1999
Subject: Lakshmi Seated on Elephant. This is a model of Goddess Lakshmi seated on an elephant made from papier-mâché technique. Papier-mâché is a French word for chewed paper. This craft was probably introduced during the Mughal reign. The surface of papier-mâché produces an ideal ground for painting, which is probably the reason the craft became popular in Odisha with its traditional pattachitra painters. This art in Odisha uses a fusion of paper, cloth rags and straw. It is pulped by hand after softening with water. Additives like multani mitti are added to the pulp as an adhesive and for providing a textured finish. This object has been procured by State Institute for Development of Arts & Crafts (SIDAC) Show House.