Under the latest and popular online series of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya entitled Exhibit of the Week’ ‘Traditional Saora Painting collected from Saora communities in 1999 in the audience as the Second Exhibit of the month of January, 2024 through official website, Facebook, Instagram and twitter page of the IGRMS.
In this regard Prof Amitabh Pandey Director, IGRMS said that the Saora paintings are predominantly found on mud walls of traditional Saora houses painted with black and white colours, using charcoal & rice powder. Small figures, dots and patches serve as key elements in these paintings. Presented here is a canvas painting of Saoras illustrating their relationship with nature and wildlife.
In addition to being decorative, it represents their spirituality, and nature. It also illustrates their lifestyles, agricultural methods, hunting, festivals, and life in the forest, such as animals and birds. The images of Sun and Moon are also depicted on both sides of the painting.
The motifs of human figures on the upper border symbolize the importance of community and human connection in their way of life. It serves as a reminder of the strong social bonds and collective identity within the Saora tribe. The use of natural colours and materials in the creation of Saora paintings not only reflects the tribe's close connection with nature but also adds a unique texture and authenticity to the artwork.
The delicate brush made from tender bamboo shoots and animal hair allows the artists to create intricate details and bring their stories to life on the canvas.