Baiga Painting: Spiritual Art from the Forest Tribe

Baiga painting is a style of painting practiced by the Baiga tribe of Central India, mainly found in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and some parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. The Baiga tribe have a unique connection with nature. Theirs is a culture rich in rituals and traditional beliefs, many of which are rooted in preserving nature and considering it a living, breathing being.

Baiga Tribe: Culture

The Baigas are very responsible with their actions. They are aware, always, of the impact that even the smallest of their actions might have on the ecosystem—unlike most of us. This mindfulness is passed down generation after generation in the form of legends and myths. This is exemplified in the fact that Baigas do not plow their land; because to them, the land is the breast of mother nature, and it would be unthinkable to dig into it. They also don’t use the same patch of land for cultivation repeatedly as that would be like exploitation—like asking for too much. Hence, in order to preserve mother Earth, they perform shifting cultivation. Now as the myth goes, it is as reward for this benevolence and harmony of the Baigas with nature that a goddess named Mavai bestowed them with their art—the Baiga Art.

There is a cyclical aspect of harmony in this belief of their art as a divine blessing. Of an understanding with nature that is akin to that between birds and trees. A give and take that is pure and beautiful. And so let us discuss further about this gift received by the Baigas in return for their sustainability.

Understanding Baiga Paintings

A deep respect and connection with nature means the Baigas always incorporate their surroundings in their art. The colour schemes used indicate clearly how the artist feels about that which they have depicted. In Baiga paintings, the colours are bright, bold and pop out in contrast to each other. Each motif is distinctly different, even as the whole thing comes together in an harmonious fashion.

Baiga Painting Materials

The tools used by Baigas are indigenous and sustainable. They use clay, rice paste and soil as background when painting on walls while the paint itself is made from plant extracts like turmeric and even charcoal. Brushes are fashioned out of twigs, and a special ink derived from Kohla trees is used. Matchsticks and pen nibs might be used sometimes for pigmentation.

Baiga Godna (Tattoo) Tradition

A deep respect and connection with nature means the Baigas always incorporate their surroundings in their art. The colour schemes used indicate clearly how the artist feels about that which they have depicted. In Baiga paintings, the colours are bright, bold and pop out in contrast to each other. Each motif is distinctly different, even as the whole thing comes together in an harmonious fashion.

Baiga paintings exist not only in the form of wall paintings, but also as tattoos. Tattoos are a must among the Baiga women. So much so, that without a certain tattoo on the forehead as a young girl of ten or twelve, a girl isn’t considered part of the tribe. And from then on the journey of tattoos on various parts of the body begins. The last one is etched on the breast after childbirth.

These tattoos are etched into the body using bamboo sticks and needles. The Baiga Godna art is a whole style of art within itself. The motifs and designs are unique and unlike any other. During the course of their lives, the hands, legs and chests of Baiga women get completely covered in spiritual tattoos of various kinds–each signifying a certain stage or moment in life. According to traditional beliefs, these tattoos help them in the afterlife as they can be taken to the afterlife.

Unfortunately, this art is slowly dying out because most young Baigas are opting not to get these tattoos. However, tattoo artists like Shanti Devi and her daughter Mangla Bai Marawi are trying to keep the tradition alive by making it appealing to the young generation.

Baiga Art in Current Times

In modern times, with rampant westernisation, it becomes just as difficult as important to keep such tribal arts alive. Even within the Baiga community, it is slowly getting out of fashion.

Yet, for as long as the spirit of art is alive, Baiga will live. There are already many NGOs and organizations working to promote and train more Baigas and create more artists. Now, these Baiga paintings are no more just a tradition, they are being opened up to the wider world through exhibitions. Baiga art has now become a way for these artisans to not only earn their livelihood but also to share the beauty of their culture with the world.

The sustainable aspect of Baiga art gives it an edge in the contemporary scenario. It has received international recognition by the efforts of Padma Shree Jodhaiya Bai Baiga. It would be unthinkable to speak of Baiga art and not mention her. Jodhaiya Bai lived more than half of her life without ever having any contact with art. Until one fine day, in her late sixties, she came across the late artist Ashish Swami. Under his mentorship, Jodhaiya Devi showed extreme potential. Her work is known worldwide for its beauty and vividness.

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