tribal paintings
Baar Matha no Dhani , gujarat
Baar Matha no Dhani is a major theme of Rathwa tribe Pithora paintings in Gujarat. Pithora is a colorful and revered art, esteemed as storytelling and religious sacrifice. The theme signifies the community's identification with their ancestral gods and tribal history, painted when such occasions take place as weddings or harvest festivals. The artwork not only adorns but also sustains the mythological tales which are at the core of Rathwa society.
The Baar Matha no Dhani motif, representing the divine protection of the people, encapsulates the oneness of the earthly and heavenly planes. It frequently depicts astral horses or anthropomorphic gods, which represent protection, success, and harmony. In an elaborate pattern and rich colors, the motif tells the mythological tales and also acts as a prayer for the prosperity of the tribe.
It is a very precise process to create a Pithora painting. Natural resources, like vegetable and mineral pigments used as pigments, with cow milk and locally made liquor used as binders, are used by the Rathwa. Brushes made from bamboo twigs guarantee fine detailing. Mud and dung mixed together prepare the walls, which will last long enough to display the art. Such processes depict thorough knowledge of environmentally friendly techniques and conventional artwork.
The production of Pithora paintings, such as motifs like Baar Matha no Dhani, is ritualistic. Under the guidance of the Badvo (tribal priest), the process starts with purification of the walls and collective prayers. The motif usually symbolizes the fulfillment of a vow or a blessing requested for important life events. This collective activity reinforces cultural bonds and brings the community in line with its spiritual and ancestral heritage.
Baar Matha no Dhani motif is notable for its vivid colors, symmetry, and presence of symbolic motifs such as celestial entities or guardian animals. Such characteristics are true to the overall visual scheme of Pithora art, where each detail holds cultural significance. The painting embodies the spiritual character of Rathwa existence, combining beauty in art with rich cultural importance, which renders it a highly valued tradition among the tribe.
