Saura Paintings

Saura paintings are considered Tribal Paintings of Orissa . Addressing the universal language , these paintings signify vivid description of life and close connection between man and nature. The richness, variety, ancientness , magnificence and the ritual base of these tribal art are responsible for their popularity, fame and modish appeal.

Saura paintings are carried out on cloth describing vibrancy and doctrine through themes of trees , animals and peoples. They are originated at Orissa which provides a glimpse of Indian tribal life. Saura painting is also termed as Tree of Life in which , painting centers on a tree known as ‘The Tree of Life’ , whose branches signifies home to birds , monkeys and human beings , seen seated in its shade. The tree is edged with bold figures and animals are used as a part of that figure. At the base of the painting some shades of domestic life like small clay huts, trees, women with baskets, men rearing cattle hunting with bow and arrows are sketched which portrays life and livelihood at their basics.

About Saura Tribes and History
Sauras , residing in Orissa are one of the world's ancient and oldest tribes. Saura's own religious beliefs , customs and show their daily and ceremonial occasions of their life in Saura paintings. It was believed that there's a Saura divinity which contains various symbols and meanings, and the Saura paintings primarily revolve around that deity. The minute details of Saura paintings reflect day-to-day lives of the Sauras. Cultures and myths have great bearing on the artistic creations of the Sauras.

Popular Region
Going back to the times of Ramayana and Mahabharata epics , Saura tribes are among the oldest tribes of India. Saura paintings are mostly found in the Rayagada, Gajapati and Koraput districts of Orissa.

Material Used
Saura paintings are very simple practiced by the Saura Tribe of Orissa. Materials used in making of them are :

• Paint
• Brush
• Fine Tussar silk

Designs
Saura paintings depict the regular activities of the Saura people. Generally , they feature pictures of : animals , trees and peoples. These paintings originates from the Tribal region of Orissa. Orissa has a rich tribal culture. The Sauras, Kondhs and Santals in Orissa beautify their houses with themes of birds , flowers and geometric designs.

The Saura paintings done are decorated with fine golden paint which are related to religious beliefs and appeasing spirits and demigods . On the occasion of animal sacrifices the motifs of these paintings are dream sequences.