The Fisher Tribes of Chilika

A coastal-themed Pattachitra of tribal fishermen casting nets in Odisha’s Chilika Lake.

1. Natural Pigments

   • Blue (for Chilika Lake and sky): Extracted from indigo plants.

   • White (for waves, nets, and details): Made by grinding conch shells.

   • Black (for outlines and shadow work): Derived from lamp soot or burnt coconut shells.

   • Red (for decorative borders): Sourced from hingula, a red mineral pigment.

   • Yellow (for boat elements and ornaments): Obtained from haritala or turmeric.

   • Green (for coastal vegetation): Prepared by mixing yellow pigment with indigo.

2. Brushes

   • Traditionally handcrafted from squirrel or mongoose hair, tied to bamboo or reed sticks.

   • Fine brushes are used for intricate detailing, especially in the netting and border work.

3. Adhesive (Binder)

   • A thick, natural gum made by boiling tamarind seeds, used both to coat the canvas and to bind the pigments.

4. Burnishing Tools

   • Polishing is done with coconut shells, glass pieces, or river stones to enhance sheen and longevity.

These traditional, earth-friendly materials not only honor the heritage of Pattachitra but also bring life and authenticity to the coastal scenes of Odisha’s fishing communities.