Submitted by Nitish Kumar on
State
Tribe Name
Art Type
short description
A vivid depiction of the owl carved out of wood is a hallmark of story-making for the Sutradhar tribe of Assam; in effect, from wooden effigies, depictions or representations are created, upheld, and enhanced by experience and tradition. The sculpture was carved from a single piece of wood, which stands for the tribe's master craftsmanship and relationship with natural materials.Colors such as rich red, white, black, yellow, and green are used in paint layers. Some areas of the design have symbolic meanings beyond the aesthetic appeal, whereas others create mere visual interest. Yellow is the predominant color of the legs and beak, capturing attention upon the display of the owl that seems to be observing its surroundings with its head stretched out and downward, standing here in such a way. The owl rests on a square pedestal that adds stability, completing the establishment of itself either as an object of ritual or decoration.
Thumbnail
richly painted owl
Filter Postion
Right
Filter Background
Off
Theme
Filter Header Image
richly painted owl
content
Image
Sutradhar Tribe Wooden Effigy – Owl
description
A vivid depiction of the owl carved out of wood is a hallmark of story-making for the Sutradhar tribe of Assam; in effect, from wooden effigies, depictions or representations are created, upheld, and enhanced by experience and tradition. The sculpture was carved from a single piece of wood, which stands for the tribe's master craftsmanship and relationship with natural materials.Colors such as rich red, white, black, yellow, and green are used in paint layers. Some areas of the design have symbolic meanings beyond the aesthetic appeal, whereas others create mere visual interest. Yellow is the predominant color of the legs and beak, capturing attention upon the display of the owl that seems to be observing its surroundings with its head stretched out and downward, standing here in such a way. The owl rests on a square pedestal that adds stability, completing the establishment of itself either as an object of ritual or decoration.

According to Indian folk traditions and superstitions, the owl has a varied set of spiritual meanings. It is most popularly considered the vahana or vehicle of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Hence, with wisdom and watchfulness, the owl is also seen as the keeper of our fortunes and the protector of sacred knowledge. It is the Sutradhar tribe, traditionally artisans in wood carving and temple art, that incorporates animal motifs linked to rituals, mythological stories, and tribal cosmology. Bold natural pigments attest to their vibrancy and relationship with nature.It was indeed an excellent example of tribal devotional art that combined earthly utility with spirituality and visual storytelling, wrapped in one wooden structure.
Image Mode
landscape
promoted
On
Verified
Off