Saura painting
Saura painting is a style of wall
The Saura tribe
Sauras are among the most ancient of
Paintings
The Saura
Ikons are worshipped during special religious and cultural occasions such as child-birth, harvest, marriage and the construction of a new house. Ikons are not commissioned frequently and an existing one can be regularly used for mundane rituals. The building of a new dwelling however necessitates the commissioning of an ekon, which is painted in a dark corner inside the home where its creation is accompanied by the recital of a specific set of prayers. Traditionally, Kudangs, the priestly class among the Sauras, painted the ikons since they also had the expertise to explain the symbolic import of the images contained therein to the villagers. Thus the ikons also became a part of the aural tradition of the Sauras that linked them to their traditions and customs. Today the Kudangs have been supplanted by artists and paintings are often executed in non-traditional locales.[1][4]
Comparison with Warli paintings
Saura paintings have a striking visual semblance to
Saura paintings today
Their diversity, detail and unique style have given ikons an 'in-vogue-appeal' and increasing popularity in recent years. The influence of markets and increasing awareness about the other's forms have led to both Saura and Warli paintings picking up details of technique and style from the other.[1] They have also been popularised in recent times as an avenue for skill and job creation[3] and have increasingly been used to decorate items like T-shirts, greeting cards, stationery and items of clothing.[5] Saura pattachitra now becoming popular along with its mural painting.
References
- ^ a b c d "Saura invocations". The Hindu. 19 June 2011. Archived from the original on 23 June 2011. Retrieved 18 March 2013.
- ^ a b Patel, C B (January 2005). "The Sauras and Their Panoramic Paintings" (pdf). Orissa Review: 53. Retrieved 19 March 2013.
- ^ a b "Painting workshop for school dropouts". The Hindu. February 8, 2011. Retrieved 18 March 2013.
- ^ a b c "Timeless images". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 18 March 2013.
- ^ "TDCCOL to procure Navjeeven products". The Hindu. December 10, 2012. Retrieved 18 March 2013.
Further reading
- Kossak, Steven (1997). Indian court painting, 16th-19th century.. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. ISBN 0870997831. (see index: p. 138-142)