Sohrai and Khovar paintings of Jharkhand:
Shri Bulu Imam discovered a rock art site in the ISCO village of Barkagaon block in Hazaribagh district back in 1991, shedding light on an ancient treasure. According to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), these rock arts, date back to 3000-7000 BC in the Paleolithic age.
The discovery of the ISCO rock arts revealed a fascinating connection between the motifs found in them and the paintings adorning the walls of the local residents' homes. These paintings were crafted during two distinct occasions: post-monsoon and pre-harvest, and during wedding ceremonies.
The paintings made after the monsoon, particularly around Diwali, a Hindu festival, were termed as Sohrai. On the other hand, those created during weddings were called Kohvar.
Kohvar:
This painting tradition is deeply rooted in a matriarchal lineage, where mothers impart the art form to their daughters, preserving it as an enduring legacy. The motifs predominantly feature symbols of fertility and fecundity, drawing inspiration from the surrounding environment.
Utilizing natural earth tones of white (kaolin clay) and black (manganese clay), these colors are skillfully applied onto walls using fabric rags. The intricate motifs are meticulously etched into the painted surface using comb pieces, adding depth and detail to the artwork. These paintings are drawn using the sgraffito technique.
About the workshop:
We learn about the history of Sohrai and Kohvar paintings of Hazaribagh district and the villages and tribes practicing Kohvar in the area.
We learn the technique and various motifs of each associated village. We also learn to create compositions using the motifs. Multiple artworks will be created during the course of the workshop. You are open to select the sizes you want to work as well.
About the artist:
Adam Imam is the grandson of Padma Sri Bulu Imam. His family is dedicated to preservation and promotion of the tribal culture at Hazaribagh, Jharkhand for decades and run the Sanskriti museum to preserve the local cultural heritage.
Adam is passionate about the arts and culture of Hazaribagh and is a practicing artist of Sohrai and Kohvar paintings. He has represented Sohrai paintings at multiple platforms across the country.
Materials:
*Please connect to order authentic material kit containing manganese and kaolin clay, comb pieces, glue*
Or please arrange for:
- Black Handmade paper / Watercolor sheets
- Fine comb
- Multani mitti (Fuller's earth)
- Fevicol or similar adhesive