Abhradeep Chakraborty
Xorai
The Xorai is a widely used form in Assamese culture. The origins of it’s use dates back to 15th Century - linked to Neo – Vaishnavate movement started by 'Srimanta Sankardeva' in Assam. In present day, a Xorai has become the cultural symbol of Assam along with the Jaapi and Gamosa.
Objective:
To study the cultural connotations of a traditional artifact in a contemporary world
Project Duration:
two weeks
Tracing Origins
Understanding the Form
The meaning behind the Etchings
The Making Process
Traditionally bell metal craft is practiced in two major centers in Assam - Hajo and Sarthebari. Even though the industry has seen growth in terms of its value, it is still a small-scale manual skill-based craft. The aesthetic value of the two centers may differ but the process of the craft remains the same as how it was practiced from the start. Hand tools are primarily used to give the metal its final form
The Cleaning Process
One major reason for the reduction in use of a Xorai, is the maintenance of the product. Its shape makes it difficult to clean and store. Traditionally, tamarind was used to clean the bell metal utensils, but currently even acid cleaning is done for the product. This makes it an decorative piece, which tells a variety of stories through its etchings.
In a contemporary era, these forms keep people connected to their roots and culture. The presence of a 'Xorai' tells one about the craft, the auspiciousness, and the value of the form. This makes 'Xorai' an important cultural form.
Final Form
The brief for developing the form was associated with contemporary living. Thus, the 'Xorai' was viewed as a symbolic form that connected the user to their culture. Further, iterations revolved around this key anchor. The final design looks at the Xorai as a story telling symbol and is built around that concept, using two major materials used in the region. The form talks about what the origins of the 'Xorai' were and what changes it went through with time.
