Namma Choice - Cultural Market

By Namma Choice – Celebrating Cultural Craft, One Clay Story at a Time “Before stone, before metal, before machines… there was clay. And there were hands.” 🌏 Where It All Began: The Origins of Terracotta Terracotta is one of humanity’s oldest creative expressions —older than most recorded languages. Archaeological findings trace its birth back to around 7000 BCE , even before the wheel was invented. In the ancient Indus Valley Civilization (Harappa and Mohenjo-daro), terracotta objects like animal figurines, fertility goddesses, house models, and toys were made by hand and sun-dried or fired in kilns. These were not just artifacts—they were reflections of everyday life, social beliefs, spiritual needs , and early craftsmanship . It was the earliest form of "art for life" , used for: Worshipping gods and nature Cooking and storing water Building walls and roofs Teaching stories and traditions to children 📍 Terracotta is not just old—it is eternal . ...

  Namma Choice – Celebrating Culture with Every Thread In a quiet village, under the soft hum of conversation and the rhythm of running stitches, something beautiful is born — a Koudi . Not just a quilt, but a story stitched from memory, community, and care . At Namma Choice , we celebrate such cultural treasures that blend purpose with poetry — and the Koudi stands as one of the most heartfelt examples of Indian craft rooted in sustainability . 🪡 What is a Koudi? In North Karnataka , the word Koudi (ಕೌಡಿ) refers to a traditional hand-stitched quilt , made from old sarees, dhotis, children’s frocks, and worn-out clothing. These fabrics — layered and bound by rows of neat, rhythmic stitches — become more than a blanket. They become a living memory . 🧵 Every Koudi tells a story — stitched by women, often in circles, as they talk, laugh, and pass on tradition. 🌍 India’s Patchwork Legacy: Different Names, One Spirit Though it's called Koudi in Karnataka, this humble quil...

 A Journey into One of the World’s Oldest Sustainable Traditions 🌱 Introduction Bamboo is more than a plant. It is a story of survival, creativity, and cultural intelligence — nurtured in silence, shaped by hands, and used with care across centuries. Across India and the world, bamboo art has quietly contributed to livelihoods, identity, and ecological balance. As we reimagine conscious consumption, the time has come to understand how bamboo connects people, nature, and purpose . 📖 When and Where It Began The earliest traces of bamboo craftsmanship appear in prehistoric communities in Asia. In regions where bamboo grew abundantly, it became a natural extension of life — woven into homes, rituals, tools, and art. India : Bamboo craft traditions go back centuries, deeply embedded in tribal and rural lifestyles, especially in Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, and Karnataka . China & Japan : Bamboo played a vital role in classical arts, archite...

Among the many jewels that tell the story of India’s rich heritage, the Putali Haar stands out as a radiant example of devotion, culture, and feminine grace. Deeply rooted in Maharashtrian tradition, this unique ornament is more than just a necklace — it’s a symbol of ancestral pride and spiritual abundance. --- 🕰️ Historical Origins: When Did Putali Haar Begin? The origins of the Putali Haar date back to the Maratha Empire, particularly during the rule of the Peshwas (18th century). At a time when Hindu traditions and temple art flourished under royal patronage, women of noble families wore this coin necklace as a display of both wealth and spiritual reverence. The word "Putali" (पुतळी) in Marathi means doll or image, but in this context, it refers to the images of deities imprinted on the coins strung together in the haar. These images were believed to protect, bless, and honor the wearer. --- 🔶 Design and Structure: What Makes It Special? Putali Haar is tradi...

Kinnal Art, also known as Kinhal Craft, is a centuries-old traditional art form from Kinhal village in Koppal district, Karnataka. Known for its vibrant colors, intricate carvings, and religious significance, this unique wooden craft represents the rich artistic heritage of South India. --- 🧱 Origin and History Kinnal Art dates back to the Vijayanagara Empire (14th–17th century), flourishing under royal patronage. It was primarily used to decorate temples, chariots (rathas), and religious idols. Artisans known as 'Chitragars' or 'Bammavalis' passed the skills through generations, keeping the sacred tradition alive. --- 🪵 What Makes Kinnal Art Unique? Base Material: Made from a mixture of wooden powder (sawdust), tamarind seed paste, and water, shaped on lightweight wooden frames. Color Scheme: Bright primary colors like red, green, yellow, and blue are used, traditionally made from natural pigments. Motifs: Mainly mythological figures, temple idols, religi...