Context: A unique workshop in West Bengal's Konedoba village, dominated by the Santhal tribe, aims to preserve the ancient Sohrai art.

About Sohrai Painting

• Originates in the Hazaribagh area of Jharkhand but prevalent across various Indian states including Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal.

• It is known for its vibrant colours, intricate patterns, and cultural motifs, reflecting a rich tribal heritage.

• Women of tribal communities traditionally create these paintings on mud walls during the Sohrai festival, celebrating harvest and livestock.

• Receives a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, emphasizing its uniqueness and cultural significance.

Key Features of Sohrai Art Form

• The Sohrai art form can be monochromatic or colourful. The people coat the wall with a layer of white mud, and while the layer is still wet, they draw with their fingertips on it.

• Their designs range from flowers and fruits to various other nature-inspired designs. The cow dung is used to add colour.

• The artists are spontaneous in their drawings. The designs are usually drawn from the artist’s memory. The personal experience of the artist and their interaction with nature are the biggest influence.

Cultural Significance and Themes

• Sohrai paintings are a testament to the matriarchal tradition, with art skills passed down from mothers to daughters.

• Central themes include nature, fertility, and the mother-child bond, often depicting domestic animals, flora, and fauna.

• Festivals like Sohrai and Kohbar mark the creation of these paintings, coinciding with the harvest season and other communal celebrations.

Techniques and Materials

• Employ natural earth colours foraged from the local environment, such as red, black, yellow, and white.

• Tools include chewing twigs and cloth rags, showcasing an ingenious use of simple, locally sourced materials.

• Each painting differs from village to village, reflecting local traditions, geography, and individual artistic influence.