Tribal Painting

Painting is as old as the tribe itself. Almost all the tribes of Odisha paint. But the paintings of Saora, Gond tribes are most popular. These paintings were originally done on the walls of the house with natural colors and dyes. These paintings are part of their rituals. 

Saora Painting

Also known as Idital are painted on walls to appease a variety of deities responsible for maladies faced by the family, the village or the community. The paining is done by the Iditalmars who are directed by the Shaman who preside over the rituals. There are 62 types of Idital each for a specific occasion. A wall is selected, and a rectangular space is prepared by plastering red earth. On the appointed day the Iditalmar arrives and carries out the painting after the Shaman makes offerings to the deities amongst the chanting of prayers.

Gond Painting

 Gonds are one of the larger tribes of Central India. Every clan paint on walls as a part of ritual observances. Each clan has an animal totem which is painted on walls and worshipped. Some of the totems are Tiger, Peacock, Tortoise, Vulture, Elephant, Snake which represent a separate clan. The distinctive style of the Gond painting was originally made with natural dyes like Red Earth and Lamp Black. The scenes of these paintings continue to be drawn from the nature and the folklore of the community.