Symbolism In Indian Tribal Art Forms

Posted on

By Salini Vineeth

  • India
  • Art
  • Culture

    • Table of Content

    India has a rich tradition of tribal art forms. Each of these art forms reflects the history, culture and traditions of the tribes who practice them. Most Indian tribes live in close connection with nature. So their art has many symbols related to nature and natural elements. Mountains, rivers, trees, plants, animals, and birds are often featured in these tribal art forms. 

    In this article, we look at the symbolism of popular tribal art forms in India. 

    Symbolism in Gond Art

    Gond art originated from the Gond tribe in central India. The Gond tribe lives in close connection with nature. Natural elements like trees, mountains, plants, and animals are common symbols in Gond paintings. 

    Cultural Canopy: Gond Painting by Venkat Shyam

    Gond paintings use unique patterns to render nature and natural elements. They are painted in vibrant colors, often with a touch of humour. 

    One of the most common elements in Gond paintings is trees. Ganja and Mahua trees, Saja trees, Pakri trees, and Peepal and Tamarind trees are common symbols used in Gond paintings. These trees symbolise the connection of the Gond community with nature. Tree of life is another common symbol in Gond paintings. 

    Mahua tree in Gond by Venkat Shyam

    Animals are also a major icon in Gond paintings. Animals are often depicted in their natural habitats. Animals like elephants, tigers, bulls, cows, and chameleons are common icons of Gond paintings. Usually these animals are shown together, and in a playful mood. The animal symbolises the interconnectedness of nature and everything in it. 

    Tiger and Birds in Gond by Kailash Pradhan

    Symbolism in Madhubani Art

    Madhubani art originates from the Mithila region of Bihar. Madhubani paintings have bright colors that are inspired by five natural elements – fire, water, earth, sky and air. Red, white, yellow, blue and black are the predominant colours in Madhubani paintings. Minute detailing is a characteristic of Madhubani paintings. Often, there wouldn’t be any blank spaces in a Madhubani painting. 

    Community Threads: Gathering at the Well, Madhubani Painting by Vibhuti Nath

    The common themes of Madhubani paintings are rural life, Hindu mythology, weddings and other celebrations. Madhubani paintings also depict nature, animals and birds. These natural elements have different symbolic meaning in Madhubani paintings. For example, a pair of peacocks in Madhubani paintings symbolises eternity.

    Two Peacocks, Madhubani by Ambika devi

    Various animals have different meanings and interpretations in Madhubani paintings. Elephants are the symbols of fertility, and snakes are a symbol of regeneration. Parrot is a symbol of desire in Madhubani paintings. Fish is another recurring symbol in Madhubani paintings. In Madhubani, fishes represent fertility, prosperity and good luck.

    Madhubani painting of The Fish by Pratima Bharti

    Symbolism in Warli Paintings

    Warli paintings are the traditional art form of the Warli tribe, which hails from the border of Maharashtra and Gujarat. Warli art form uses simple, geometric shapes to create vivid imagery of village life, festivals, and rituals. Natural elements like the sun, moon, trees, mountains, and animals are also recurring subjects in Warli paintings. 

    Tiger God: Warli painting by Anil Wangad

    Warli paintings use various symbols to depict nature and natural elements. The sun and moon are often depicted in circles. Triangles are often used to portray trees or mountains. Since the Warli tribe is an agrarian community, scenes of farming are also a common theme in Warli paintings. Scenes of sowing seeds, ploughing, harvesting and winnowing are common themes in Warli paintings. The fields are often depicted using rectangles. 

    Harvest Symphony: Warli Painting by Anil Wangad

    The portrayal of human form is very unique to the Warli paintings. These human figures are often dynamic, captured in the middle of their work, celebrations or ritualistic performances. One of the most common themes in Warli paintings is the Tapra dance. In Tapra dance, people dance around a Tapra player in a circular fashion. The imagery looks like a snake charmer and a snake. The circular formation also symbolizes the cycle of life. 

    The Tarpa Dance, Warli Art by Dilip Bahotha

    Symbolism in Bhil Art

    Bhil art originates from Western and Central India, practiced by the Bhil tribe. One of the distinct features of Bhil art is the use of dots to create unique patterns. The Bhil tribe is a closely knit community that lives in close connection with nature. So, community living and nature are common symbols in Bhil art.  The dots used in Bhil paintings are a symbol of maise grains and are associated with harvest and prosperity.

    Harmony in Mutual Existence Bhil Painting by Shersingh Bhabhor

    The relationship of the Bhil people with their natural environment, trees, mountains, birds, and animals is a common theme in Bhil paintings. The peaceful coexistence of living and nonliving natural elements is a common symbol in Bhil paintings. They depict animals, birds, fish and people living in harmony.

    Celebrating Nature, Bhil Art by Geeta Bariya

    The Bhil tribe has a spiritual connection with nature. They believed in natural forces and believed that their deities reside in forests, rivers and mountains. Nature worship among the Bhil tribe is also reflected in their art. The Bhil paintings symbolises the close connection between humans, animals and the forces in nature. 

    Village Life Bhil Painting by Geeta Bariya

    Symbolism in Mandana Art

    The Mandana artform is predominantly practiced by tribes of Rajasthan. People in this region believe that it’s inauspicious to leave their courtyards and walls undecorated. Hence, they draw intricate white and red patterns known as Mandana on the walls and floors of their houses. Mandana is a tribal art form mainly practiced by women in this region. 

    Cycle of Existence: Mandana Artwork by Vidya Soni

    The Mandana art has a very strong connection with Hindu religious practices. One of the main motifs of Mandana art is lotus. In Mandana art, the lotus symbolises spiritual purity or an enlightened soul. Mandana paintings also use animals and natural elements as symbols. For example, the peacock in Mandana art represents prosperity and the tiger represents strength and protection. Mandana is often practiced by rural women, so natural elements like birds, animals and plants are also featured in these paintings.

    Prey and Predator: Mandana Artwork by Vidya Soni

    Mandana being closely connected with Hindu religion, often depicts Hindu religious symbols. The chariot of Goddess Lakshmi is an important motif in Mandana art. ‘Feet of Lakshmi’ is another essential Mandana symbol. ‘Devi Jot,’ which represents the light of earthen lamps or diyas, is another symbol of Mandana. Drawing Mandana on the courtyard and walls is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity to the home.

    Goddess Lakshmi's Divine Chowk in Mandana by Vidya Soni

    Even though Mandana traditionally is a wall decoration art, contemporary artists also create stunning Mandana art on canvases. Traditionally. Red, white and black colors are used in Mandana drawings, but modern artists are experimenting with green, yellow, blue and orange colours. 

    Conclusion

    Tribes of India live in close connection to nature. Living and nonliving elements of nature have inspired and shaped the beliefs and cultures of these tribal communities. So, their art also is inspired by natural elements. Natural elements like animals, birds, trees, rivers, and mountains have a specific symbolic meaning in tribal art forms. These symbolic meanings could have derived from the religious or mythological interpretations, or the tribe’s collective experiences.

    Tribal art forms often tell rich and dynamic visual narratives with deep symbolic meanings. 

    References:

    Latest Blogs