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THE LAND OF
ARTISTES AND CRAFTSMEN :
Goa is a land of
crafts and craftsmen, where aesthetic quality finds a natural
expression. Goa has a rich and magnificent tradition of the classical
arts. Over the years, Goans have excelled in poetry, music and the fine
arts.
The exquisitely carved
rosewood and teak furniture, the terracotta figurines, the classic brass
items and the unique gold jewellery designs all speak of an age still
valuable in this technology obsessed world.
The folk paintings of
Goa have been traced to different places from ancient temples, churches
and palatial manors to humble households. They mostly depict episodes
from the epics - the Mahabharata and the Ramayana and the Puranas and
also scenes from the New Testament.
During the Portuguese
colonisation, local craftsmen played a major role in the development of
the exquisite furnishings and decorations used in residential houses,
churches and chapels. This art can still be seen the Christian Art
Museum at Old Goa.
Goans have contributed
greatly to the world of music. Many famous names on the Indian music
scene originate from Goa. Famous singers such as Lata Mangueshkar and
Kishori Amonkar in the classical variety and Remo Fernandes in pop
music, are from Goa.
Konkani literature has
produced many great names such as Bakibab Borkar who have contributed to
the development of Konkani as a national language with some superlative
writing.
Local craftsmen in Goa
produce a wide variety of crafts ranging from terracotta pottery and
figures to superb brass lamps and decorative items.
A large number of
Goans have also played a major role in drama and Hindi film industry in
the neighbouring state of Maharashtra.

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