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West Bengal

Crafted to Captivate: Santiniketan Leather Goods

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A Crafty Township

West Bengal, a state in eatern India, lies between the Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal.  Situated within West Bengal's vibrant cultural scene, is Santiniketan, famed for its literary legacy and being the home to Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. However, this charming town offers much more than literary splendour, with thriving communities of artisans producing exquisite leather goods and art products that have gained global recognition and are highly in demand. Santiniketan leather goods were awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2008.

Legacy of the Leather

The Santiniketan leather goods has a fascinating origin, with Rabindranath Tagore introducing and promoting this craftwork in 1932. Santiniketan leather goods are a byproduct of Rabindranath Tagore's Rural Reconstruction initiative at the Visva Bharati University. Ever since 1932, the skill of producing these elegant leather pieces has been carried on by generations of artisan families in the surrounding rural regions. Since the artisans have been engaged in this craft for over nine decades, they have mastered the skill of molding leather into beautiful works of art.

The process of manufacturing these Santiniketan leather goods is quite complex. Artisans use vegetable-tanned leather-skin to manufacture these products. Such vegetable-tanned leather pieces retain embossed imprints permanently, making them an ideal raw material for this craft. The leather pieces come from sheep and goat skins. On absorbing, it retains colours embedded with natural dyes quickly. It uses other raw materials such as paper board, PU adhesives, natural dyes and spirits, rubber solutions, grinders like thread, rubber foam interlining, accessories (press button, zipper, lock, etc.), and lining cloth (cotton, silk, velvet) etc.

Luxe in Leather

Santiniketan leather goods are produced in all shapes and sizes because there is no prescribed or standard size for these craftpieces. These leather goods are uniquely identifiable because of their smooth, glossy, shiny visual appeal and vibrant hues. Santiniketan leather goods have traditional motifs embedded, further exemplifying their uniqueness. These characteristics make Santiniketan leather goods an item of luxury and class. One can browse through and purchase a wide range of products, such as coin purses, cushion covers, handbags, ornament boxes, pencil boxes, piggy banks, pouches, footwear, shopping bags, spectacle covers, wallets, and more. With such a vast and diverse array of products, there is something for everyone. 


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A Coveted Craft

Santiniketan leather goods are a prime example of a craft that has stood the test of time. Santiniketan handbags and purses are highly coveted by local women and tourists. These leather goods make great souvenirs, and a vast range of products ensures that one can pick out the items that attract them the most. The craft's intricate designs, superior leather quality, and vibrant colours continue to contribute to its popularity for worldwide export. So, a trip to Santiniketan is a must when visiting West Bengal. Drop by and pick up a few uniquely fascinating souvenirs and gifts to take home!