The sacred metallic pictograph, 'Ittal'(to write), is an exceptional artwork from the Saora tribe in Odisha, India. Traditionally, pictographs are painted or carved on the interior walls of the Saora homes, while this piece is a rare exception made on metal. Ittals are deeply ingrained in the spiritual and cultural economy of the tribe and are made for ancestor-worshiping, disease-dispelling, and fertility-invoking purposes in important rituals and ceremonies. The pictograph depicts a shed in the center and the surrounding human figures identifying them as deities or ancestors, indicating the tribe's respect for their predecessors.
Animals, plants, and other symbolic figures surround this personage, possibly depicting some imagery connected to the aspects of life, nature, and the spirit world. The vast repertoire of symbols aims to forge a connection between the Saora people and these spiritual beliefs and cultural aspects, invoking blessings for prosperity, health, and warding off evil. The act of making Ittal is not just an art; it is a sacred representation important in the social and religious life of the tribe. Through these pictographs, the Saora tribe communicates with the deities and ensures their protection over their community. Typically found on the walls of the house, this metallic version of Ittal showcases the adaptability and resilience of the Saora tribe's artistic traditions in sustaining a unique identity.