CREATIVITY UNFURLED: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC ACCOUNT OF THE STATUE MAKERS OF GHURNI, KRISHNANAGAR CITY, WEST BENGAL

Abstract

Abstract The present study makes an ethnographic account of the life and livelihood mechanisms of the statue makers of Ghurni, Krishnanagar city. It is a heritage activity of Ghurni. Statues of different types are made by the sculptors like bronze, cement, stone, fibreglass, and Plaster of Paris (POP). The study foregrounds the techniques involved in the making of a sample bronze statue and the life of artisans by taking a sample case study. The statue-making activities belong to the category of unorganized sector. The gender participation rate of females is very less in this activity. The entire market distribution chain incorporating both the demand and supply chain mechanisms has been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. More comprehensive and inclusive planning needs to be taken by the government to ensure sustainable growth and inclusive development of the statue makers in the long run.