CULTURAL ASPECTS OF THE TRIBAL ART IN CENTRAL INDIA: A CASE OF THE BODY DECORATION OF THE BAIGA TRIBE (original) (raw)

CULTURAL ASPECTS OF THE TRIBAL ART IN CENTRAL INDIA: A CASE OF THE BODY DECORATION OF THE BAIGA TRIBE Dr. Basanta Kumar Mohanta Dr. Mohan Lal Chadhar Abstract The tribal arts, crafts and architectures are one of the most fascinating parts of their culture. The knowledge of this art is a hereditary one which transmits from generation to generation through oral tradition. The art of tattooing or body decoration is widely found among the tribal of India in general and the tribals of Central India in particular, which is treated as an integral part of their life and culture. Baiga is one of the Particularly Venerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) of Central India, known for their traditional method of treatment and shifting cultivation. They live in a particular forested area of Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh, identified as “Baigachawk” and its neighbouring area. Both the male and female Baigas are very fond of body decoration. Besides, the female members like to decorate their body with different kinds of tattoos, known as Godna. Each of these tattoos has a specific cultural significance and tattooed at a particular age and a specific location of the body. It is related to their religion, belief system, health care practice, body decoration, social status, wealth etc. In this present paper an emphasis has been given on the importance of tattoo in the tribal life; symbols used in tattoo and their significance; method of tattooing and the continuity and change in the process, materials and symbols of tattoo. Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak (M.P.)-484886. Email: drmohantabk@gmail.com. Mob: 09407343438 Assistant Professor, Department of A.I.H. C & Archaeology, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak (M.P.)-484886. Mob: 09301599008