Resplendent in the typically gilded, brass thread-wrapped look of Odisha’s dhokraware, the 60 cm Ganesha exudes the charm of tribal art. Nearby stand tribal iron dhokraware figures with details of headgear, dress and water pot beautifully worked out. These are displayed at the ‘Tribes of India,’ exhibition currently on in the city.
The exhibition displays tribal artefacts from Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Rajasthan and Manipur. Each artefact tells a story about a 5,000-year-old living culture.
The exhibition also showcases paintings and contemporary products. It brings together craft in metal, textiles, clay, cane and bamboo. Odisha presents pretty jewel boxes and artistic dhokra lamps, human figures, gods and goddesses done in the cire perdue process. Also very impressive are the bell metal cows from Chhattisgarh. There are dhokra cows with lace-like jaali work in varied sizes and dhokra collectibles including lamps, bullock carts and coin boxes. Also showcased are jewellery from Odisha and Himachal Pradesh.
Rainmakers from Chhattisgarh, Kerala (Wayanad) and Manipur make for exotic gifts. Toda bags and table linen present embroidery at its captivating best. Gujarat’s striking rabari and soof embroidery done on wall hangings, folders and files are available too.
The Longpi black pottery made by the Thangkul Naga tribe from the Ukhrul district of Manipur is contemporary and minimalistic. A bird perched on the lid of a serving dish or bamboo strips woven into a clay pot add to the exotic collections. The items are hand moulded from a clay-weather rock mix, and heated on a ‘camp fire’ like furnace. A line of coffee mugs, painted in Gond art style, is another attraction.
The textile section includes tussar saris, woven by tribals and embellished with dense kantha work, as well as block printed Maheshwaris. Bedspreads with appliqué work from Rajasthan, yak wool and pashmina shawls woven by Bodh and Kinnauri tribals of Himachal Pradesh are some of the rare items on offer.
‘Tribes of India’ is an arm of TRIFED, Government of India, that provides a marketing platform for handmade products by the tribals from across the country. The sourcing is done directly from such artisans.
The exhibition is on view till November 30 at shop No.17A and B, Co-optex Ground, Pantheon Road, Egmore.