Santhals, which are one of India’s foremost tribes, occupy mainly the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal. The entire culture of the Santhals is encapsulated in their textile traditions, including natural dyeing, handloom techniques of weaving, and symbolic designs. A fine specimen of pale yellow fabric with printed longitudinal designs, this is a traditional Santhal piece.
This textile piece, pale yellow with delicate linear prints, shows the tribes' strong association with nature. Longitudinal patterns represent flowing rivers, forests, and ancestral lineage, gesturing toward the Santhal way of life. The very fabric is intended and designed as a dress, shawl, and drapery for festivals, community gatherings, and religious ceremonies.
The Santhal textile works the indigenous handloom technique and dyes plants and mineral-based natural dyes altogether.. Such textiles are held in the National Museum, New Delhi, as a testimony to the unique tribal artistry of India. While cooperative societies and NGOs have taken important steps to promote Santhal traditional weaving practices, the heritage will survive.