ABSTRACT
Based on field survey-based study, this chapter discusses the socioeconomic condition of the filigree artisans of Cuttack and constraints faced in marketing the craft. In India two places, Cuttack in Orissa and Karim Nagar in Andhra Pradesh are associated with silver filigree craft. The history of the silver craft can be traced to Persian origin, although no authentic information is available on the same. Silver filigree is a rare ornamental handicraft work of fine silver wires twisted, plaited and soldered into design by the artisan to give it a look of exclusive beauty and grandeur. To most master craftsmen the problem of marketing can be tackled by the state directly or through its institutions like Handicraft Boards by initiating processes giving exclusive importance to silver filigree. The filigree craftsmen be organized and encouraged to form unions of their own to protect themselves against the exploitation of traders.
