The Eternal Tribe

A split-style Pattachitra showing ancient tribal life vs. modern resilience.

2. Natural Pigments

• Brown & Red (Ancient tribal skin tones, earth, fire): From natural ochres and bark powder

• White (Body tattoos, tribal ornaments): From ground conch shell powder

• Black (Outlines, tribal tools, modern silhouettes): From lamp soot or burnt coconut shells

• Blue & Grey (Modern structures, mobile phones, jeans): From indigo plant and stone-based ash pigment

• Green (Forests, leaves, environment): From leaf extracts like neem or spinach

• Yellow (Sunlight, traditional clothing): From turmeric or haritala mineral

• Mixed tones are created by blending pigments for transitional elements between past and present.

All pigments are bound using tamarind seed gum, ensuring natural adhesion and durability.

🖌 3. Brushes

• Made with fine squirrel or mongoose hair, inserted into bamboo handles

• Used for:

  • Minute tribal patterning

  • Fine facial features

  • Cultural symbols and tools

  • Sharp modern outlines and icons

🌀 4. Border Work

• The painting is bordered with traditional Pattachitra floral and geometric patterns, unifying both halves to show cultural continuity despite change.

✨ 5. Protective Coating

• A final layer of natural lacquer (resin or shellac) is applied for:

  • Protection from humidity and fading

  • Long-lasting finish and natural shine