Kurumba Painting:
It was observed that the Kurumba art form is facing the threat of extinction.
- Kurumba Painting is a prehistoric art form, estimated to be over 3000 years old.
- It originates from the Kurumba tribe in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
- The art was traditionally drawn on rocks and in caves across the high hills of the Nilgiris.
- Kurumba paintings use natural pigments sourced from the forest.
- Yellow-brown and black pigments come from Vengai tree resin, while 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.
- Kurumba tribal paintings use natural colors—green from leaves, red and white from soil, and black from tree bark—applied with cloth on cow dung-coated walls.
- The art features simple, linear motifs with dots, lines, and geometric shapes, depicting huts, animals, and community life.
- Themes center around spiritual beliefs, rituals, festivals, and daily activities.
- This minimalist yet expressive style preserves the tribe’s cultural heritage and reflects their deep spiritual bond with nature.
