Sacred Tribes: The Santhal Pattachitra

A vibrant depiction of Santhal tribal life, featuring dance, music, and harvest rituals in traditional Pattachitra style.

1. Natural Pigments

   • White: Sourced from crushed conch shells.

   • Black: Made from lamp soot or burnt coconut shells.

   • Red: Extracted from red stones (hingula or geru).

   • Yellow: Derived from yellow ochre or haritala.

   • Green: Prepared by blending indigo with yellow.

   • Blue: Obtained from natural indigo plants.

   • All pigments are mixed with natural binders to make them long-lasting.

2. Brushes

   • Traditionally handmade using animal hair (like squirrel or mongoose) fixed to bamboo sticks.

   • Fine brushes are used for intricate details like costumes, jewelry, and facial expressions.

3. Natural Gum (Binder)

   • Made by boiling tamarind seeds into a thick paste.

   • Acts as both adhesive and pigment binder.

4. Burnishing Tools

   • Stones or smooth shells are used to polish the finished painting and enhance its glossy texture.

These eco-friendly, traditional materials ensure the painting not only reflects the cultural vibrance of Santhal life but also preserves the sacred techniques of Pattachitra art.