 Goa
Chitra is a tribute by its founder to his ancestors and to their way
of life using age-old wisdom passed down through generations. It is an
unique collection and display of traditional
farming implements and other ancient tools of trade set up against the backdrop
of a traditional organic farm.
Beginning with the original 200 privately collected
items, the collections have now grown to more than 4000 objects on
display. The museum nevertheless preserves its universality in its
collections of artifacts in representing the culture of ancient Goa.
Each of the artifacts is supplemented by information that was
collected in situ by interviewing the elder members of the community
and through the study of its application in daily life.
Reutilization and recycling of materials like wood
work, doors, windows, pillars, railings and other materials and
elements from over 300 demolished traditional houses that have been
recovered by the designer contribute to the contemporary outlook of
the structure with its blend of traditional elements and modern
technologies.
The concept
of the museum is in holding with the philosophy that resources in
today's worldshould not be wasted if their use is not necessary.
Goa Chitra believes in reviving age old
traditions through the museum display and outreach programs thus
allowing the younger generation to share the wisdom of the past which
would otherwise be irretrievably lost. This we hope will create
awareness about nature, its influences, and benefits on human life
An ethnographical museum is a reflection
of civilizations, whether or not technically advanced. In planning the
museum importance is given to the concept that
the Implements represent the lifestyle of a people, their indigenous
methods, their craftsmanship, their art and folklore. The original 200
privately collected items have grown to more than 4000 objects on
display. The Museum nevertheless preserves its universality in its
collections of artifacts representing the culture of ancient Goa. Each
of the artifacts is supplemented by Information that was collected in situ
by interviewing elder members of that community. Documentation
includes data about the artifact, material, craftsmanship, period
during which it was used; photographic evidence; and interviews.
Categorization of the collection involves the various process
implicated in a trade.
Clientele for Goa Chitra:
-
The
proposed museum hopes to allow free entry for all interested in
viewing the museum in this hope it fulfills most of the objectives.
-
In addition the museum will cater to
providing a common platform for Goan artists and artisans to exhibit
their talent and skill and to interact with each other. In this
Creating awareness among the general public of Goa's indigenous Art
forms, their origins and development through history.
-
Anyone interested in learning about Goa,
Goans and the agrarian past through internet research and
accessibility. Historians, anthropologist, environmentalist,
biologist, zoologist and any other professional.
Methods for Achieving Goals and Objectives:
-
The
creation of Goa Chitra becomes a focal point for providing
information to its visitors.
-
Workshops for young children from
schools and university students allow them to gain the opportunity
to Work with artisans.
-
To help artisans with craft development,
where
needed, to make contemporary products based on the inspiration of
their traditions which are saleable and can earn them a dignified
life.
-
In addition, a
Documentation/Dissemination Plan will be developed by staff to
guarantee the systematic collection of information about the
operation of the Project and provide the basis for sharing
information with other similar projects
Goa Chitra Mission & Statement
“Preserving the past to enrich the future.”
Goa Chitra -‘a fusion of Goa- the state and Chitra meaning pictures,
is a tribute by its founder to his ancestors and their way of life. In
the past, people lived a life very close to their land, using age-old
wisdom passed down through generations which today are referred to as
an alternative way of living.
It is a project to promote awareness and appreciation of the
traditional agrarian lifestyle, of the eco-friendly techniques that
were practiced and to create sensitivity and concern for the
environment in Goan youth.
Goa Chitra, an ethnographic museum, hosts a collection of implements
that are fast disappearing in the contemporary economy and society,
allowing visitors to learn about life in past days.
The museum is set against the back drop of an organic farm, and its
environs highlight the traditions of the past.
Goa Chitra believes in reviving age old traditions through the museum
display and outreach programs thus allowing the younger generation to
share the wisdom of the past which would otherwise be irretrievably
lost. This we hope will create awareness about nature, its influences,
and benefits on human life.
As an organization/institution it sets and executes finite goals and
activities to create a healing environment, promote health and
vitality and devising one's own life enhancing programs aimed at
creating a more harmonious environment.
Goa Chitra: Aims and Objectives:
-
To showcase the rich tradition of
implements, tools, arts, crafts. This heritage makes evident that
our ancestors were self sufficient with material that they sourced
from their surroundings.
-
To acquaint visitors with eco-friendly
indigenous technology that maintained a balance with the natural
surroundings.
-
To preserve and display traditional
implements and tools on the assumption that the museum will engender
awareness and appreciation of past traditions, allowing people to
become aware of their roots and take pride in their rich ancestry.
-
To document the various implements in
their cultural context to authenticate tools as well as understand
their genesis.
-
To archive the traditions related to the
implements and their accompanying rituals before they are rendered
obsolete.
-
Restoring agricultural methods through
traditional organic farming and applying such methods to experiment
soil fertility and crop production.
-
Ensuring the preservation of these
traditional forms of expression. One avenue to this goal is
inspiring the younger generation to take up and continue these art
forms by exposing them to their heritage.
-
Development and promoting of these art
forms constitutes the other means by which Goan culture can be
preserved and continued.
-
Archiving of Goa's cultural heritage
through documents, books, photographs, handicrafts, electronic
recordings, costumes, musical instruments, artifacts and oral
history, so that records of traditions that may die out are
recorded.
-
Promoting the folk performing arts; to
encourage troupes, where necessary, to put together a more rehearsed
performance so that they can expand their audience.
Collections
The Museum houses a wide range of exhibits depicting the material
culture of Goa before the electricity era.
The exhibits on display are associated to the rural trades and their
indigenous skills. The agrarian section highlights traditional,
agricultural implements displayed according
to different operations. The artifacts on display comprises of
tillage implements, sowing tools, interculture operation tools,
harvesting, cutting, pruning and marking implements, postharvest tools
and implements, crop processing tools and implements, irrigation tools
and implements, Crop protection implements.
Further an entire section is dedicated to storage implements of varied
material like metal and wood. Grain and liquid measures, as well as
different types of weights and scales used by grocers are on display.
Since our ancestors had an intimate association with their animals a
section is dedicated to the implements used on draught animal.
Walking through the passages you will find Ancient mode of transport
where impressive carts, carriages, palanquin and caderin are put on
show.
Besides agriculture other trades are also on exhibit. A large
selection of tools used by carpenters, tailors, goldsmiths, cobblers,
barbers, blacksmith and masons are on display. Importance is given to
details, so one shall also see tools used by masons who carved stone.
There is a separate section which exhibits domestic and important Goan
crafts, such as pottery, cane work and weaving as well as stone work.
Kitchen implements in wood and metal take a large amount of space with
careful consideration given to their utility.
Surprises always lurk around every corner as Implements used for
leisure activities such as hunting as well as traditional games and
musical instruments are put in view.
Since the museum is a dedication to our forefathers the entrance to
the museum depicts the religious accessories and art of the Catholic
and Hindu religion.
Contact
Goa - Chitra
St. John the Baptist church road,
Mondo-Waddo, Benaulim, Salcete Goa - 403716 India
 |
