Earthy charm of terracotta allures women to be entrepreneurs

These jewellery are supplied to many parts of India, abroad

Terracotta jewellery is the latest fashion trend among women, who like to experiment with their style. This tribal jewellery, made of baked clay, has not only become increasingly popular among women, but has also turned hundreds of them into entrepreneurs.

These trendy jewellery are available at the exhibition held as part of Mahila Dasara on the JK Grounds. The stalls are set up by members of women self-help groups (SHGs) from Raichur.

Chiguru Enterprises, Raichur, has utilised this increasing popularity and has come out with new terracotta jewellery, that is in great demand not only here but, also in foreign countries.

One can get a variety of jumkhas, necklace, bracelets, earrings and others, which are sold between Rs 30 to Rs 550.

Jagruthi Women’s Organisation, another SHG, has displayed terracotta products. It has roped in women who had been working as farm labourers and has turned them into entrepreneurs. The terracotta jewellery, designed by them, is being supplied to Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Goa and other states.

Zaibunnisa of the organisation said, around 20 farm women labourers joined hands to invest small amounts from their earnings and started showing interest in making artefacts, during their free time. This initiative has turned many into successful entrepreneurs, she said.

She explained that Koshi, a Kerala-based organisation, gave them training in making jewellery, using clay available near Manvi in Raichur district. We availed bank loan and started the business. We have not incurred any loss since 12 years, she added.

Speaking to DH, Hanumanthi, one of the labourer-turned artisan said, “We were toiling in the fields from the break of the dawn to dusk and the earnings were meager. Thanks to Koshi, who gave us training to make terracotta jewellery. We are now financially empowered.”