The Iguana Tree in Gond by Manoj Tekam

This deeply symbolic masterpiece in Gond by Manoj Kumar Tekam explores structural transformation, capturing a massive monitor lizard, Iguana, climbing vertically along the trunk of a sacred forest tree.

Gond painting is a vibrant tribal art form from Madhya Pradesh, practiced by the Gond community. It is celebrated for its intricate geometric patterns, bold colors, and deep connection to nature. Traditionally used to decorate village mud walls, the art has evolved into a globally recognized style.

The composition is vertically anchored by a thick, winding tree trunk rendered in a warm, stippled terracotta-red pigment. Clinging tightly to the bark is the large, silver-grey body of the iguana, its spine curving dynamically to track the flow of the wood. The lizard’s hide is textured with a high-contrast pattern of bold, horizontal black camouflage stripes. Its head is tilted sharply upward, highlighted by a single, piercing cerulean-blue eye that creates a striking focal point against the surrounding monochromatic canopy.

The texturing demonstrates Manoj Tekam's mastery of signature tribal markers across a single composition. The entire main trunk, the lower ground roots, and the massive, billowing upper canopies are executed entirely in a dense, multi-layered field of Sarson ke daane (mustard seeds) stippling. The lizard's long, reaching claws are detailed with tight, parallel lines of the Beni (braid) motif, while its inner underbelly carries a soft grid mimicking Gehu ke baal (wheat spikes). Placed against a clean white backdrop, the artwork strikes a flawless balance between folk animation and scriptural elegance.

This exceptional masterpiece stands as a powerful visual monument to the concepts of metamorphosis and sacred landscape integration within the wilderness. By transforming the monitor lizard's powerful form into an extension of the tree's own heavily stippled bark, the painting visually articulates a profound Gond worldview where all living organisms are structurally and spiritually continuous with the earth they inhabit. The intense contrast between the creature's bold, horizontal camouflage lines and the shimmering pointillist canopy brings a pulsing vitality to the frame, preserving an authentic and highly sophisticated slice of living folklore.

Each of our artworks are hand painted by master artists across India. We provide a digital authentication certificate with this artwork signed by the artist which will be sent over email after 3-4 days of delivery of the artwork.

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Due to high demand for artworks from this artist, the delivery timelines are currently 0-2 weeks.

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Once your order is placed, our team stays in constant communication with the artist to track the progress and ensure the quality of your order. You will receive regular updates from us throughout this process.

All MeMeraki artworks are hand-painted. In rare occasions, artist may face delays due to weather, health, prior commitments or force majeure. Our team will reach out to you with revised timelines in case of such delays. We appreciate your understanding and patience in such situations.

All artworks on the website are hand painted from scratch by our master artists. This makes every artwork absolutely unique and the actual colour and overall artwork may vary slightly from the artwork image posted here.