Themes
tribal paintings
Symbolism in Saval Dharmi Ghoda , gujarat
The Saval Dharmi Ghoda motif forms an important part of Pithora paintings that are a ritualistic form of art of the Rathwa tribe in Gujarat. These paintings are made as an offering to the deity, to express gratitude, and invoke their blessings. The Saval Dharmi Ghoda motif central to these paintings often represents the ancestors and the divine protectors, a representation of the cultural and spiritual soul of the Rathwa community.
The Saval Dharmi Ghoda denotes the Pithora connection shard between the celestial and earthly worlds. Horses, therefore, carry the ancestral spirit and deities; they represent the connection between the earthly and the Sky world. The Pithora paintings, where horses are painted with structured vibrance, display not only the dedication of the painters but rather the spirit of the community toward its cultural heritage, accentuating that sacred stature bestowed upon horses in their religious and cultural practices.
The making of Pithora paintings containing Saval Dharmi Ghoda motifs entails the use of natural pigments obtained from locally available materials such as rice paste or by milling colored powders. The murals are painted on freshly plastered walls in organic brushes with the supervision of a badwa (priest) so that the single stroke holds ritualistic significance.
The Saval Dharmi Ghoda is an important motif in rituals asking for prosperity, health, and harmony. In Rathwa rituals, the horse acts as a messenger to carry their plea to the gods and ancestors. The paintings are also important during significant events such as marriage and the harvest festival, thus solidifying their spiritual importance.
The Saval Dharmi Ghoda motif is famous for its bold and intricate designs and bright coloring. The horse is more often than not surrounded by other sacred symbols, which tie in the community to the view of cosmic unity. Its depiction is a testimony to the artistic ability of the Rathwa tribe and to the deep interrelationship between their spirituality and artistry.