Pithora Painting

Visual and Material Arts
in Module
Published on: 17 March 2017

Hanoz H.R. Patel

Hanoz H.R. Patel has studied changes in Rabari pastoralist livelihoods in Kutch as part of the Simulpast Project. He has worked in museums across India, and conducted research on tribal art, and organized workshops and exhibitions with Bhasha Research and Publication Centre. Currently, he is associated with EKA Archiving Pvt. Ltd. His research interests include the design of ancient weapons, blind faith practices among urban populations and the tribal mythology and folklore of India.

Pithora wall painting is practised extensively among the Rathva Adivasi, in the districts of Chhota Udepur and Panchmahal of Gujarat. The Pithora painting is not merely a form of art for the Rathva, it is an integral part of the ritual for their chief god Baba Pithora.