The Seed Keepers: Tribal Agriculture

A farming scene with tribal women sowing seeds, symbolizing sustainability.

. Natural Pigments

• Green (Crops, leaves, earth): Extracted from leaf paste (neem or spinach)

• Brown (Soil, tree trunks, tribal skin tones): Made from natural clay or bark powder

• Yellow (Sunshine, offerings): From turmeric or haritala mineral

• Red (Clothing, borders, floral motifs): Derived from hingula (cinnabar)

• White (Sacred symbols, rice grains): Made from ground conch shell powder

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

All pigments are bound with tamarind seed gum, making the painting eco-friendly and durable.

🖌  Brushes

• Crafted from fine squirrel or mongoose hair, attached to thin bamboo sticks

• Used for:

  • Intricate facial features and expressions

  • Details of clothing, plants, and soil textures

  • Border and sacred motifs

🌾  Decorative Borders

• Traditional floral patterns, sacred grain symbols, and cultural motifs such as tribal jewelry and plant life are used to emphasize themes of fertility, nature, and spiritual harmony with the earth.

✨ Protective Finish

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

  • Protect the painting from moisture and dust

  • Enhance the vibrancy and longevity of the colors