Abstract
Tribal communities are bound by territorial cohesion and social duty of kinship. Harmony with nature is paramount to their existence. Deriving their livelihood from surrounding environment they contribute to traditional wisdom of art, history, folklore, materials, construction techniques and built space. Native to Madhya Pradesh, Rathwa tribe derives its name from ancient ‘Rathbistar’, etymologically meaning inhabitants of hilly and forested region. Famed for its Pithora paintings, the tribal mud craft is Geographic indication tagged for its authenticity to this region. Since ages, painted on the outer mud walls of the house, it symbolizes prayers for peace, health and prosperity. Unique to their culture and symbolic to their livelihood and existence the perpetuation of the mud craft is endangered. Research was methodically conducted on-site with extensive field study, built space and craft documentation. The study period overlapped with their celebratory rituals -preparation and application techniques were recorded with interviews, observations and drawings. Material culture is integral to settled existence. Thematic study of culture by Kroeber and Kluckhohn and Rapoport on the sociocultural factors along with its influence on the built environments is examined. The study brings forth the understanding of a cultural and material manifestation of a tribal community. It elaborates on the pattern of its production and continuation of a traditional belief system in dire need of preservation. Deriving its craft wisdom from various disciplines of folk art, history, built space and elements - the study attempts in safeguarding its relevance and existence.
Presenters
Dr Supriya G PalAssociate Professor, Institute of Architecture and Planning, Nirma University, Gujarat, India
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
PITHORA PAINTING, MUD CRAFT, RATHWA TRIBE, MATERIAL CULTURE, ARCHITECTURE
