To read the full article or view more photos and video clips, click here >> Som Murmu, a 60 year old Santal cultivator and master craftsman from Birbhum, has been a wood carver for over forty years. In his youth, he tried his hand working with various media including straw, bamboo, clay tiles, asbestos and … Read more
Giji K. Raman, The Hindu, September 28, 2010 Making bamboo products is one of most creative work undertaken by the Mannan tribe of Kozhimala in Idukki district. But today this exclusive work of craftsmanship is on the verge of extinction, thanks to the changing socio-economic conditions of the community. Unique work The unique work undertaken … Read more
A Tamil couplet from Kannappar Kuravanji of Thozuvoor Markanda Naavalar I meditate on the divine forces of the wilderness, to whom the forest rituals are offered. O Mannaru Saami, O Mother Maari, Chamundi, Irulan, Sangile Karuppan – Your though delights me. Quoted from Pidhana – The Canopy of Life (Chennai, 2014, ISBN: 978-81-921627-3-7). This richly illustrated publication tells the story of the … Read more
“Sanyasi Lohar, though not a Santal himself but spending his life in a Santal village, Bishnubati, has developed naïve Santali designs into a sophisticated art-form” – Martin Kämpchen Photo: Sanyasi Lohar (standing on the right side) during the inauguration of murals on the life and the seasonal celebrations of the Santals in Bishnubati village. Learn more >> Tips For … Read more
Baha The Baha Parab is the Flower Festival of the Santals, celebrated in the beginning of spring. The ritual observed revolves around man’s communion with nature and the celebration of beauty. The Naike (Santal priest) and other villagers offer a Sal flower to every family of the village. A Santal woman receives flowers in … Read more