Kurumba Painting

News: Kurumba painting need conservation and revival as it is on the verge of extinction, with fewer than 10 practising artists remaining.

About Kurumba Painting

• Kurumba art is a prehistoric art form originated from the Kurumba tribe in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. 
• Note: The Kurumba tribe primarily resides in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• It is believed to be 3000 years old.
• Themes: The theme of painting centers around spiritual beliefs, rituals, festivals, and daily activities. 
• Design: The art features simple, linear motifs with dots, lines, and geometric shapes, depicting huts, animals, and community life. 
• Raw Materials used: It uses natural pigments sourced from the forest. 
  • Yellow-brown and black pigments come from Vengai tree resin and green pigments are derived from crushed leaves. 
  • Artists use fine twigs, bamboo sticks, and natural fiber brushes for application.
  • The paintings are traditionally done on walls, fabric, and handmade paper, preserving their deep connection to nature and tribal traditions.
• Process: It begins with a ritualistic worship of their guardian deity before gathering natural pigments from the forest. 
  • Colours are applied directly without water to create intricate cultural and spiritual motifs.
  •  The male priests or caretakers of the temple used to practice this art form in the villages and the women of the family used to decorate the doors and windows of the houses.
• Significance: It is an art form that captures the socio-religious ethos of the Kurumba tribe and these paintings only appear on their house walls and floors during festive occasions.