Themes
tribal paintings
Pithora Painting, gujarat
Pithora Painting, the traditional art of the Rathawa tribe, is characterized by buoyant colors and intricate designs. The artists make their colors from natural materials: vermilion gives orange and red, turmeric yellow, kajal black, and tree leaves green. They mix color with white clay and choona for white. They also add a few drops of Mahuda wine and cow's milk to the mixture. With small brushes and bamboo sticks, they barely create an image on walls which finally makes some beautiful artworks telling a story.
This Pithora Painting refers to the true conviction among the Rathwa community who worship Pithora deity. Each and every part of this painting thus speaks not only of all gods but also of nature, the incorporated activities of people, and the tribal legends. The Rathwa community feels that their deities reside in natural substances like the moons, sun, and forests. The wall paintings done when community members get together and chant beautifully mirror their prayers and rituals, thus providing a pictorial narration of nature and spirituality by the strokes of vivid artistry.
Pithora Painting signifies more than just beauty; it is a ritualistic activity. When a family faces misfortune, the owner of the house approaches the Badavo (priest) to know the reason, which is usually blamed on angry gods. To solve these problems, the family has to take an oath to paint a Pithora picture on their wall. The preparation process includes plastering and cleaning of the wall and then a ceremonial bath for both the painter and priest, establishing the sanctity of the painting area.
Released onto canvas is a broad border that symbolizes Earth, followed by which it is decorated with motives from different aspects of life. Pithora painting attempts to include tribal gods, animals, and scenes of everyday traditions like agriculture and celebrations. The Pithora paintings are typically packed with people-gods, animals, and people of the community-which symbolize the vibrancy of tribal culture and the interconnectedness of all living things. The paintings, narrating stories picturizing tribal life, depict the beliefs, essence, and sentiment of the people.
Pithora Painting employs colors and motifs to symbolize profound meanings. The colorful colors represent different aspects of nature and life, and patterns represent different tribal stories and customs. As the painting progresses, a singer recites the stories of all these figures, so it becomes a far more social activity. Rituals, songs, and dances that go with Pithora place highest importance on the community spirit and sanctity of the painted environment. Finally, Pithora Painting provides evidence of the exceptionally vibrant cultural life of the Rathwa tribe and demarcates their spirituality and medium of expression.