Handicraft in the present, has lost many of its utilitarian aspects and has been reduced to more of an aesthetic product, due to various reasons.
In India, post Independence, handicrafts had been given the ‘piggy’ status, presumed to be riding on the back of Tourism by producing goods for the souvenir industry; where as the same Tourism sector can become the most approachable medium to cater to a larger audience, and show a newer perspective of handicrafts.
The project looks at the major elements of current tourism practices in India, and involvement of Handicrafts in the same through various channels.
By a brief research on craft experience providers, craftspeople, tourism managers, etc.), the project expands into a simple yet an effective design intervention on Craft Tourism, that focuses on uplifting the perception of Handicrafts in the existing Tourism sector.
It provides the tourists(or Guests, as we like to call them) with a participatory experience with the indigenous crafts.
The goal of the project outcome is to: induce awareness on the responsible and sustainable aspects of the craft making process, as well as its influence on the 'way of living'.
The team members had their primary focus on contributing to the craft sector, but also tried to bring in Empathy and Responsibility, towards: ourselves, people around us, and the environment.
Kala Safari is a service model that brings the users a wholesome tour of certain identified regions of Indian handicrafts.
The initial service opens doors to the unseen tribes, locations and natural fiber handicrafts of Assam.
Most of the regions in India are known for their cultural and traditional diversity, strong ethnicity and coherence with the surrounding geographical elements.
Assam is a state well known for its high quantity production of Natural Fibers and is still seen as a 'hidden gem' (as a part of the unraveled north eastern region of India), which has major regions, yet to be influenced by modern technology and trends.Thus, bringing out the traditional and tribal ways of living as a sustainable life and experiencing the presence of handicrafts in this process is something worth acknowledging.