Villagers in Kurumba Art by Saraswati Kannan

Saraswati Kannan’s Kurumba painting offers a captivating glimpse into a villager’s gathering, echoing the narrative style reminiscent of Warli art. In this scene, villagers come together in a harmonious union, engaging in communal activities and celebrations that underscore the interconnectedness of their lives. Like Warli art, Kurumba paintings often depict scenes of community gatherings, symbolizing the collective spirit and shared experiences of the village folk.
Kurumba art, originating from the Kurumba tribe of the Nilgiri hills in Tamil Nadu, India, has been passed down through generations as a form of cultural expression and storytelling. The process of creating Kurumba paintings typically involves using natural materials such as charcoal and plant-based pigments to craft intricate designs on surfaces like walls or canvas. Rooted in tradition and ritual, Kurumba art serves as a means of preserving the tribe’s heritage and identity while celebrating the interconnectedness of all living beings within the natural world.