The Sauras are known for their distinct Tribal culture and art. Inhabiting the southern part of Odisha, this ancient tribe has been mentioned in epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Saura paintings are rich in symbolism, simple in technique, and imbibed with functional and social significance. Though utilitarian in form, the works are a beautiful amalgamation of inert aesthetic sensibility and spiritual oneness. Interestingly, the Sauras language does not have a script and these paintings become a way of recording their religious practices and philosophy. The paintings depict an extremely harmonious combination of realism with abstract suggestions done with a free hand and no preliminary sketches.
