Why in News?
The Lanjia Saora tribe is recently their traditional art form, the Lanjia Saora Idital (wall paintings), was recently awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag.
Identity and Classification
- PVTG Status: They are one of the 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Odisha.
- Sub-group: They are a sub-branch of the broader Saora (Sora) tribe, one of the oldest mentioned in Hindu epics like the Ramayana (associated with Savari).
- Etymology: The name 'Lanjia' comes from the unique 10-12-foot-long loincloth (langoti) worn by the men, which hangs behind like a tail.
Geography
- Location: Primarily inhabit the Rayagada, Gajapati, and Ganjam districts of Odisha.
- Habitat: They live in hilly, forested terrains and are known for their expertise in mountain living.
Culture and Art (Idital)
- Idital Paintings: Their most famous cultural contribution. These are ritualistic wall murals dedicated to their deities and ancestors.
- Technique: Traditionally painted using white rice paste on walls plastered with red oxide (red clay).
- Themes: The paintings feature geometric patterns, people, horses, elephants, the sun, and the moon, representing the "oneness" of nature and spirits.
Economy and Lifestyle
- Terrace Farming: They are world-renowned for their stone-packed terrace cultivation. They build intricate terraces on hill slopes to grow paddy and millets.
- Shifting Cultivation: They also practice Podu (slash-and-burn) agriculture.
- Social Structure: They have a highly organized society with a village headman (Gomango) and a shaman (Kuran).
Religion
- Animism: They practice a form of animism, believing that spirits reside in every element of nature.
- Ancestor Worship: A central part of their life is the "Guar" ceremony, performed to honour deceased ancestors.
Significance of the GI Tag
- Economic Empowerment: Prevents the commercial exploitation of their art by outsiders.
- Global Export: Allows tribal artisans to sell "Idital" branded merchandise (like sarees and home decor) in international markets.
- Authentication: Ensures that every piece of art sold under this name is genuinely produced by the Lanjia Saora community.
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