The story
Potters of the Kulalar community in Villianur have made terracotta for generations, using fine green clay, sand and a local material called thennal. They are known for large Ayyanar horses offered at village shrines and for small idols and décor. Nearby Thirukkanur artisans make papier-mâché dolls and figures. Both crafts were registered as Puducherry's first GIs, filed by the Pondicherry Crafts Foundation.
In numbers
Villianur Terracotta Works (application 201, certificate 154) and Thirukannur Papier Mache Craft (application 202, certificate 155) are registered GIs.
GI Registry — Villianur Terracotta Works, application 201
GI tag
- Villianur Terracotta WorksApplication no. GI Application No. 201 (Certificate No. 154)GI Registry, Intellectual Property India — application 201
- Thirukannur Papier Mache CraftApplication no. GI Application No. 202 (Certificate No. 155)GI Registry, Intellectual Property India — application 202
Ways in for a newcomer
- Terracotta garden and home décor for hotels and landscapers
- Online sales with GI tags to tourists and gift buyers
- Craft-tourism workshops for Puducherry visitors
- Eco-friendly papier-mâché festival idols
Problems the cluster faces
- Cheap plastic and cement décor
- Clay supply and kiln fuel
- Breakage in transport
- Few young artisans
Businesses to start here
Terracotta Décor & Utility Ware →Handloom and Handicrafts Retail Shop →