Birds and Deers in Sohrai by Manikchand Mahto

Sohrai

Sohrai craft is an ancient and intricate art form originating from the tribal regions of Jharkhand and Bihar in India. This traditional craft is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the indigenous communities, reflecting their close connection to nature and their vibrant folklore. This craft is closely associated with the Sohrai festival, a harvest festival celebrated with great fervor in the region. During this festival, villagers adorn their homes with vibrant Sohrai paintings, depicting scenes from nature, folklore, and everyday life. Legend and Mythology Legend has it that Sohrai art originated as a form of worship for the gods and goddesses of nature. According to local folklore, the intricate motifs and symbols used in Sohrai paintings are believed to invoke blessings for a bountiful harvest and prosperity. Based on Santhali legend, in ancient times, Jaher ayo (goddess of the forest) and Marang Buru (god of the mountains) along with the Santhal’s elder sister would climb down to earth to meet their brothers. Precisely during this time harvest festival would be celebrated and their homes would be decorated with Sohrai art. Technique and Materials Sohrai paintings are characterized by their designs, bold colors, and geometric patterns. Craftsmen use natural resources like clay mixed with various colors of mud such as Kali Mitti, Laal Mitti, and Pili Mitti to come up with various colors like brown, red, and yellow. The women coat the walls of their homes with a layer of white mud, and while the white layer is still wet, they draw with their fingertips or with broken pieces of combs or with chewed saal wood tooth-sticks (datwan). The designs are also painted using cloth swabs daubed in different earth colors. Mostly, Sohrai artists are spontaneous in their drawings. Themes and Details Sohrai art often depicts scenes from rural life, wildlife, and mythology. Common motifs include animals such as elephants, peacocks, and snakes, as well as symbols of fertility such as trees, flowers, and birds. The paintings are characterized by their rhythmic patterns, with geometric shapes intertwining to form mesmerizing compositions. Each element in a Sohrai painting is imbued with symbolism, reflecting the cultural beliefs and spiritual worldviews of the indigenous communities. In Sohrai art, the red line is drawn first as it represents the ‘blood of the ancestors’, procreation, and fertility. The next line is black which signifies eternal dead stone and a mark of the God, Shiva. The next all-encompassing outer lines stand in their traditional values of protection, fidelity, and chastity. The white is painted with the last year’s rice, ground with milk into gruel, this represents food.