Baiga tribes are among few tribes in Chhattisgarh which could be easily identified through their distinct tattoos.
Striking tattoos on the arms and legs of Baiga women can easily give competition to tattoo artists from cities.
Ironically, the tattoo culture which has emerged as new urban culture in cities is losing its roots in the Baiga tradition, observes Lamtu Singh Bagdaria a senior member of Baiga community and resident of Daldali village in Kawardha district.
“Tattoos are an important part of the Bagia tribe identity. Youths have an important role to play in carrying forward this tradition. I feel more youths should come forward to preserve our culture,” he says.
Bagdaria defines tattoos as a link to ones’ soul.
He says Baiga girls as young as 8 years start to get tattoos beginning from forehead and continues to get tattoos in different parts of her body after marriage.
“Tattoos are must for girls in the age group of 12 to 20 years,” Bagdaria says.
Voicing concern about survival of this tradition, Bagdaria says Tattoo culture is slowly fading in his community as young people are not much concerned about this culture.
Interestingly, in the process of getting tattoos one has to undergo painful stings but it does not deter the young tribal girls/women from its charm. The tattoos are permanent marking and traditionally it first done on the forehead then hands and legs and ultimately it ends at back.
Bagdaria informed that the place where women get tattoos is barred for men’s entry. Tattoos in Baiga culture are exclusive for women and men cannot get it. They are allowed to make tattoo in their hands, he explains.