Handmade Tribal Youth Out On A Hunt

While each of our tribes comprise of a few families, the sheer variety of tribes to be found in the subcontinent is numberless. The ways of life and languages are distinct from one tribe to another, of which very little has been documented. This is because of how remote they are, and how close yet self-sufficient their economies are. Speaking of economy, art is a major part of tribal life-expression, which in turn plays a two-pronged role in their sustenance. 

Tribal Youth 

The dynamic brass figurine you see on this page is one such work of art. It captures a quintessential aspect of Indian tribal life. Foraging, hunting, and gathering are their primary means of livelihood, so it is imperative that their menfolk know their way around the woods and the mountains. This young man is clad in a coarse dhoti, short enough to facilitate agility, and a turban to hold back his curls. Bracelets, anklets, and danglers constitute his adornments, which are probably the hallmarks of his clan. From the stance of his arms, he seems to be taking a short-distance aim at a small unsuspecting animal. 

Handcrafted Decorative Jewel Wall Hanging

The wall-hanging you see on this page has been handpicked to go into the latter category. It comprises of a foundation of gorgeous red velvet. The same has been superimposed luxuriant zardozi, a technique of embroidery that is both ancient and unique.A work of art as powerful as this would make your guests stop dead in their tracks and function as an amazing conversation-starter.

Jewel wall Hanging

From a tall, slender vase, the kind that would probably have been used to adorn the Mughal court, emerges a shock of beauteous foliage. The velvet had been stretched on a wooden stand, and a needle has been used to work - with both hands - the statement gold string onto the fabric. Note the plethora of sequins and semi-precious gemstones that have been incorporated into the complex embroidery, zooming in on which would allow you to truly appreciate the skill and labour that have gone into the finished piece.

Handmade Traditional Yali Temple Pillars from home Décor

Indian culture what the griffin is to Greco-Roman culture. It refers to a creature that has the features of the most powerful members of the faunal kingdom, and is yet more powerful than all of them put together. The Yalis in this one-of-a-kind wood sculpture have the mane of a lion, the teeth of a crocodile, and the musculature of a horse. An age-old symbol in the visual arts of the South, the Yali composition gained prominence during the sixteenth century. It could be found to grace temple doors and pillars across ancient temples in South India. 

 Handmade Traditional Yali Temple Pillars

This the mythical creature is considered the guardian-protector of the temple where it is installed, usually in pairs.

The Yali sculpture that you see on this page is a pair of handcrafted brackets, chosen for its one-of-a-kind composition. The Yalis are adorned with green and orange fabric, their long tails wound around a matching floral motif. A couple of kneeling elephants raise their trunks at the feet of the respective Yalis. Their dense black mane contrasts sharply with the white of their spine-chilling dentures.