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India is a vast country with a colossal population. It is also one of the most diverse countries globally, boasting a vibrant cultural and traditional heritage background. Home to one of the world’s ancient civilizations, Indian art, architecture, and craftsmanship reflect the nation’s deep-rooted legacy.
The cultural landscape of India is incredibly diverse and these diverse cultures give rise to unique artforms, each serving as an intrinsic reflection of its respective traditions.
From the Warli art of Maharashtra to Pattachitra art of Odisha, Phad painting of Rajasthan to Pichwai paintings of Bihar, every region showcases its own artistic style. Similarly, the diversity in tribal artifacts ranges from Dhokra metal casting to Bidriware to the intricate cane and bamboo handicrafts of the Northeast. The Indian art and decor repertoire is delightfully vast and vivacious and the addition of these rich Indian paintings and tribal arts to a living space can transform it into a radiant haven.
20 Stunning Indian Art and Tribal Artifacts for Your Apartment
1. Warli Wall Painting
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Dating back to 2500–3000 BCE, Warli art connects modern decor with ancient traditions, portraying rural life through symbolic representations that have been passed down through generations. The art represents the daily life of the people. Warli art is a beautiful form of Indian wall art that uses simple geometric forms like circles and triangles to narrate its story. The Tarpa dance form is the central focus in most paintings. In modern homes, you can either paint a portion of the wall with Warli painting or bring in framed masterpieces. If you are looking for some wonderful Indian paintings for living rooms, Warli painting can do the job.
And, if you are looking for ideas to give a creative touch to your walls with traditional yet modern elements, then you must try a DIY stencil design! Check out this easy guide on DIY Vibrant Contrasts Stencil for Your Wall! to bring intricate patterns to life.
2. Gond Art
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Gondi tribes residing in Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Assam create Gond art. The art reflects the tribe’s belief systems that revolve around the connection of all living forms with nature. The paintings generally depict natural forms, rituals, and mythical stories. The imaginative use of lines and dots is a striking feature of this Indian painting style. These paintings are believed to bring good fortune, making them more than just decorative items.
3. Saura Art
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Saura art originates from the Saura tribe of Odisha. These paintings, also known as Ikons, are of immense ritualistic and religious importance for the tribe. Traditionally created during rituals, Saura art beautifies your space while adding a protective and auspicious element to your home. Like many folk arts, Saura art also depicts natural elements like the sun, moon, tree of life, and animals. A framed Saura painting is a great option for Indian wall art decor in a modern home.
4. Tanjore Painting
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Originating from Tamil Nadu, Tanjore paintings entail depictions of deities and mythological events. These religious Indian paintings have a royal heritage and are characterised by vibrant colours, iconic compositions, and gold foil work. In modern homes, pooja rooms are often adorned with Tanjore paintings, creating a sacred and artistic atmosphere.
According to B N Coswamy (2014) (Author of ‘The Spirit of Indian Painting Close Encounters with 100 Great Works 1100-1900’) “Indian paintings are not just visual representations, but deeply rooted in cultural narratives, symbolising spiritual and historical traditions that have evolved over centuries.”
5. Madhubani Art
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Madhubani art, originating from Bihar, is a vibrant and intricate art form featuring repetitive patterns and motifs. This style of Indian wall art generally portrays religious events or cultural celebrations. An assortment of Madhubani frames can add a lot of character to a blank living room wall in a modern home.
6. Pichwai Paintings
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Pichwai paintings originate from Nathdwara, Rajasthan, and revolve around Lord Krishna. These intricate Indian paintings depict festivals, mythological stories, and devotional themes. You can add a wallpaper of Pichwai art in your living room or decorate your foyer with some Pichwai wall plates. If you’re looking for creative ideas to extend this aesthetic outdoors, check out ways to decorate outdoor walls for inspiration.
7. Dhokra Artifacts
Dhokra art was developed by the Dhokra tribe of West Bengal and is an ancient technique dating back over 4,000 years. The sculptures, made of bronze or copper, reflect the rich heritage of Indian metal casting. These unique tribal artifacts are entirely handmade, bringing an imperfect charm to your space.
8. Bidri Artifacts
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Bidri art is an intricate metal craft that uses silver, gold, or brass inlays on a base of zinc and copper. These finely carved designs add an ornamental touch to modern homes. Bidri artifacts serve as elegant statement pieces on display units.
By choosing these art forms, you are not only enhancing your home’s aesthetic but also contributing to the preservation of age-old traditions and promoting sustainable, eco-friendly art.
9. Block Printing
Block printing essentially means printing using patterned blocks. The technique originated in China. However, Rajasthan has become a hub for the industry. The vivid colours and detailed motifs of block-printed fabrics make them a staple in Indian art and home decor. A block-printed tapestry is an excellent way to enhance your Indian wall art for the living room, adding warmth and tradition to the space. With regional styles like Sanganeri and Bagru (localities in Rajasthan), block printing introduces a variety of patterns and colours, each with its own story and cultural significance.
10. Phad Painting
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Indigenous to the state of Rajasthan, Phad paintings are a blend of Indian paintings influenced by both the Rajasthani and Mughal painting styles. Originally used by folk performers, these paintings serve as visual stories, often depicting legends of local heroes, turning your home into a canvas of cultural storytelling. The paintings are made on 15-30 ft long cloth or canvas called ‘phad.’
These large, hand-painted scrolls are a perfect addition to Indian wall art decor, especially for homes with spacious hallways or passageways. Smaller scrolls, measuring 2-3 feet can be a part of an assorted gallery wall in the living room.
11. Pattachitra
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Pattachitra is a popular cloth-based scroll painting art form in Odisha and West Bengal. It is yet another distinct portrayal of deities and mythological events. The style has a few popular themes, like the Thai Badhiya or the depiction of the Jagannatha temple, Krishna Leela, which is the enactment of Jagannatha as Lord Krishna, Dasabatara Patti, and Panchamukhi. Their intricate detailing and use of bold natural colours make them an ideal choice for Indian paintings for living rooms and pooja rooms.
The paintings mainly feature red, yellow, white, and black. It may occasionally have hues of blue.
12. Cheriyal Masks
Cheriyal art originates from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and exists in two forms. The first is Cheriyal scrolls, also known as Nakashi paintings, which are extremely popular due to their meticulous detailing in depicting stories of heroism from various communities.
The second form is Cheriyal masks, which, though less popular, make a striking visual statement.
Crafted from coconut shells and tamarind paste, these masks take the shape of human faces, representing different communities. Cheriyal masks add a pop of colour and character to any dull space. For a bold yet traditional look, place these masks in your entryway or living space. These are Indian wall arts you must never miss.
13. Channapatna Toys and Kinaal Dolls
The town of Channapatna in the state of Karnataka is synonymous with the wooden toy-making industry. The artisans make dolls using soft ivory wood from a typical tree variety called the Aale Mara. Traditionally, dolls portraying Hindu deities were made and displayed during festivals. People also display entire sets of mythological events in their homes.
There are over two hundred types of dolls, and the craft has evolved. Contemporary toys are now made in Channapatna style and are quite popular. Modern homes can get a playful makeover with the addition of these flamboyant accessories. Use these unique, traditional crafts as decorative elements in a kid’s room or on display shelves alongside Indian paintings for the living room, bringing an artistic, heritage-inspired touch.
14. Wooden Rajasthani Jharokha
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The rich Rajasthani architecture features the remarkable element that is the jharokha. Jharokha is a small window with a canopy that, in the past allowed women to get views of the outside without being visible to outsiders. The feature has now translated as a wall piece in Indian decor. Decorative Rajasthani jharokhas can spice up the look of any space with its timeless appeal. Make this a part of your modern living room to give the mundane wall a stunning makeover. Indian art and tribal artifacts seamlessly blend with nature-inspired aesthetics. If you love warm, organic tones, explore these earthy interior design ideas to bring warmth and elegance to your decor.
15. Bani Thani Painting
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Yet another invigorating Rajasthani art form is the Bani Thani painting style. This style of painting often depicts women, featuring long necks, pointed chins, arched eyebrows, and elongated eyes, often seen as an idealised representation of Indian beauty. The iconic portrait of Bani Thani (a singer and poet in Kishangarh during Sawant Singh’s rule) by court artist Nihal Chand from Kishangarh School of Art is referred to as “India’s Mona Lisa” due to its enigmatic beauty and comparison to Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting. Adding a series of these Indian miniature paintings in the form of wall plates in the entryway or living space will instantly increase the art quotient of the space.
16. Kalamkari Art
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Originated in Kalamkari village, this art form is prominent in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is a combination of hand drawing and block printing. The style uses references to Persian motifs and is made using natural dyes. The Persian-influenced motifs make it an exquisite choice for Indian wall art for living room spaces. Traditionally, the paintings depicted stories like the Ramayana. However, now designs are versatile, consisting of flowers, trees, animals, etc. A Kalamkari tapestry in the modern bedroom can add a lot of character to the space.
Also Read Top 10 Living Room Wall Decoration Ideas for Every Home
17. Terracotta Artifacts
Terracotta art has been an integral part of Indian culture. Every region has its own style when it comes to depicting this timeless art form. Terracotta art is all about creating decorative forms that are either glazed or unglazed using clay. Wet clay is moulded on a potter’s wheel into the desired shape and the form is then burnt in a kiln, giving it the red-orange colour.
Decorative vases, oil lamps, sculptures, dolls, wind chimes, animal and human figurines, idols of deities, etc. are widely created across the nation. They can also be painted in vibrant colours to add character. You can add a terracotta artifact in any and every space, from a simple planter at the entrance, a vase on the dining table, or an idol in the pooja room. Terracotta Indian wall art decor can be an eye-catching addition to balconies, entryways, or pooja rooms.
18. Tribal Rug
Tribal rugs are often made by nomadic tribes. They add warmth and character to any space with their intricate patterns and earthy tones. For a modern twist, consider incorporating a stylish geometric rug that blends traditional artistry with contemporary design, making it a perfect addition to your living room. Generally, a composition of repeating geometric motifs and the distinct use of vivid colours and designs represent the tribal culture. Adding a tribal rug to the living space can enliven the space and also add vibrancy to it.
19. Blue Pottery
This Turko-Persian art came to Jaipur via the Mughal courts and has flourished as Rajasthani blue pottery. Inspired by Persian artisans, Jaipur’s blue pottery is not just visually stunning but also a testament to the cross-cultural influences that have shaped Indian art. These pieces are made from quartz and not terracotta. The blue and turquoise pigments are derived from cobalt oxide and crude copper oxide mixed with salt respectively. Geometric, floral, and leafy motifs dominate the blue pottery pieces. Add a few blue pottery wall plates to your dining space for understated elegance. Their unique glazing technique ensures they remain timeless. If you want some breathtaking Indian paintings for living room décor, bring home some blue pottery artifacts and let them do the talking.
Also Read : 10 Inspiring Coastal Decor Ideas to Give Your Home Beach Vibes
20. Northeastern Cane and Bamboo Artifacts
The northeastern regions of India are known for their bamboo and cane artifacts, which are not just stunning but also sustainable. The artistic hands make mats to furniture and everything in between. Modern homes flaunt rattan furniture pieces, and bamboo wall partitions to smaller elements like lampshades, baskets, hanging lamps etc.
Adding tribal art and artifacts enlivens the mundane modern spaces and brings an understated charm to the space. Different regional decor elements, when collected on trips and travels freeze time. They essentially also bring a piece of culture to your homes. By choosing these art forms, you are not only enhancing your home’s aesthetic but also contributing to the preservation of age-old traditions and promoting sustainable, eco-friendly art.
FAQs Related to Tribal Artifacts
1. How To Decorate a Contemporary Home in An Indian Aesthetic?
Using Indian tribal art and artifacts is the perfect way of rendering a contemporary home in an Indian aesthetic. Small decor elements add vibrant colours and patterns to the space. They may also take you back to your cultural roots or remind you of the stories you heard in your childhood.
2. Which Indian Tribal Art Forms Are Famous?
Many Indian art forms are famous and are thriving even in the modern age. Warli art, Madhubani art, Kalamkari paintings, Phad paintings, Tanjore Paintings, etc are very popular even today.
3. How Many Tribal Arts Are There in India?
There are over 2500 different tribes in India and over 100 known tribal folk arts. Different communities have different cultures and thus different art styles.
4. What is the Tribal Art of Maharashtra?
The Warli art is the tribal art of the Warli tribe of Maharashtra. It is one of the most popular art forms. Made generally against a red background in white colour, it uses simple geometric forms to portray the activities of the tribe.
5. Is Mandala Art a Tribal Art?
Mandala is an ancient Indian art that originated with the advent of Buddhism. Buddhist monks popularized it. Mandalas feature a circular design with the focal element in the center. They have a calming effect that helps in meditation.
References
B N Coswamy. (2014) The Spirit of Indian Painting Close Encounters with 100 Great Works 1100-1900 [Online] Penguin Books Limited. Available from: https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/The_Spirit_of_Indian_Painting/J5E3BQAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0
Author Bio
Saili Sawantt – She is an Architect and Interior Designer by profession. Writing is what she treats as her passion. She has worked as an Architectural Writer, Editor, and Journalist for various design as well as digital portals, both national and international. Formerly she has also worked with Godrej Properties Limited (GPL) Design Studio, Mumbai, due to her keen interested in learning about Sustainability and Green buildings. Apart from this, she runs her blog ‘The Reader’s Express’ and is a practicing Architect & Interior Designer.