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Design and sample have at all times intrigued Amit Ajrel since childhood. Initially, he was all in favour of drawing and portray. While exploring his creative expertise, his curiosity organically advanced into tattooing. Amit learnt in regards to the Indian tribal custom of tattooing, referred to as Godna.
“I assumed this might be my signature fashion,” says Amit. “Tribal, however one thing that may have a which means, one thing that’s tied to our tradition.”
Whereas researching the traditional follow, Amit got here throughout the Baiga Tribe, an aboriginal ethnic group in central India. With little info accessible, Amit travelled from his house in Delhi to a small rural village in Chhattisgarh state to satisfy with the Baiga tribe girls that proceed to follow the artwork of Godna.
“I obtained to know that this is without doubt one of the oldest components of Indian tradition. This tradition depicts the historical past of India,” Amit informed Scenes. “More often than not, the data accessible is scarce, however right here now we have individuals who can clarify your entire course of to you.”
Tribal tattoo custom
Godna is a century-old follow handed down from generations and carried out by tribal teams throughout northern and central India. The artist makes use of a hand poke approach for tattooing elaborate patterns throughout the physique.
Historically within the Baiga tribe, Godna is practised primarily by girls, and the marks signify the totally different levels of a girl’s life. Tattoos are an integral a part of their identification, giving them a way of delight and belonging to their tribe. A woman baby born in a Baiga tribe receives her first tattoo on the brow across the age of 9.
When a lady goes via puberty, marriage, and childbirth, she will get extra tattoos on her physique. Every image holds a distinct significance. Completely different patterns act as identification marks that distinguish one ethnic group and cultural space from one other.
“A brow Godna is an indication of our tribe’s traditions. With no Godna, they don’t seem to be thought of part of the tribe,” says Mangla Bai, a Baiga tribal artist. “There may be make-up and equipment, however after loss of life, one takes nothing, however solely Godna on one’s physique.”
Preserving Godna
Mangla Bai fears Godna will quickly be forgotten regardless of its age-old follow. The traditional customized has been closely influenced by modernisation. “Lately, I’m telling everybody: ‘This artwork is getting misplaced and shouldn’t be stopped. At the least a brow Godna is crucial so {that a} image of your tribe is maintained’,” explains Mangla Bai.
Amit hopes to boost consciousness in regards to the tribes and tradition of Godna via his tattoos, work, and exhibitions. “I give attention to retaining Baiga as Baiga because it has at all times been. I give attention to utilizing the very same patterns that generations have used throughout the group for hundreds of years.” Amit explains. “If I study, I can move this data on to folks. That is how our dying artwork, like this tribal artwork on the verge of extinction, will likely be revived once more.”
