Tribal Art - Painted Wooden Owls from Bengal,India

Tribal Art – Painted Wooden Owls from Bengal,India

SangeetaOctober 17, 2013August 13, 2017 India 30 Comments

My tryst with the owl continues with an assurance that fortune is round the corner :). Sometime ago I saw them on a tree while I was traveling to Indore. Recently, I was walking around Kolkata when my gaze fell on a small kiosk which was selling tribal art from Nutangram, Burdwan located in the eastern state of West Bengal. The talented villagers carve owls from blocks of locally available wood and paint them using bright colors. The owl is associated with the Goddess of Wealth – Laxmi and having one around the house is a harbinger of material comfort. Traditionally found in village homes, wooden owls have now found their way into plush drawing rooms of city homes.

I quickly picked up a brightly painted one all for Rs 40 (70 cents in USD terms and 40pence in UK Pound terms). The price hardly justifies the effort of the artisan. Often faced with the choice between chic machine made ones and the not so perfectly crafted hand made ones, I always prefer the latter. Apart from encouraging the artisan, I also get to bring home a little bit of hard work, patience, love and concentration that they infuse in their creation. They are also adept at making idols of Lord Krishna holding the flute or the single stringed country instrument which is made from coconut shell. This instrument is a perfect accompaniment for the folk music of the region or baul sangeet.

Wood Painting Krishna from Burdwan, Bengal

Related Posts:

Beauties on a Tree in Indore

Art & Craft, Baul, Burdwan, Ektara, Flute, Kolkata, Krishna Idol, Owl, Tribal Art, West Bengal, West Bengal Tourism, Wooden Art, Wooden Painting

30 thoughts on “Tribal Art – Painted Wooden Owls from Bengal,India”

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ashok December 10, 2013 at 10:06 am

so colorful…love it

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1. Sangeeta Post authorDecember 10, 2013 at 8:26 pm
  
  Owls are a good omen!! They carry the Goddess of Wealth on their back
  
  Reply
Akrati October 18, 2013 at 4:47 am

That’s great 🙂 Never thought these owl could look this much beautiful

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1. Sangeeta Post authorOctober 18, 2013 at 7:33 pm
  
  Suddenly, I am attracted to owls 🙂
  
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dNambiar October 18, 2013 at 4:12 am

So attractive. I love those stools!!

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1. Sangeeta Post authorOctober 18, 2013 at 7:33 pm
  
  Me too…wanted to buy one but difficult to pack them home
  
  Reply
its-about one thing October 17, 2013 at 10:15 pm

I had never known about owls representing Goddess Laxmi in India. This is a very informative post and I have enjoyed seeing these unique and beautifully painted owls.

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1. Sangeeta Post authorOctober 18, 2013 at 7:34 pm
  
  Thank You Charu. I am seeing a lot of owls recently and hoping that she is one her way to my home 🙂
  
  Reply
Amy October 17, 2013 at 10:13 pm

Very unique colors! Lot of hand works…

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1. Sangeeta Post authorOctober 18, 2013 at 7:32 pm
  
  Thank You Amy
  
  Reply
Garima nag October 17, 2013 at 9:51 pm

Such a beauty . What else can i say . Awesome !!

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1. Sangeeta Post authorOctober 18, 2013 at 7:32 pm
  
  Thank You 🙂
  
  Reply
Rajesh October 17, 2013 at 8:50 pm

Beautiful and artistic.

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1. Sangeeta Post authorOctober 18, 2013 at 7:32 pm
  
  Thank You Rajesh
  
  Reply
priyankavats October 17, 2013 at 2:56 pm

awesome

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1. Sangeeta Post authorOctober 17, 2013 at 7:26 pm
  
  Thanks Priyanka 🙂
  
  Reply
mahabore October 17, 2013 at 1:04 pm

Wow, those pictures are so awesome and make this entire post extremely colorful!!!

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1. Sangeeta Post authorOctober 17, 2013 at 7:25 pm
  
  Thanks Jairam.
  
  Reply
sharu4ever October 17, 2013 at 11:58 am

Very artistic and creative:)

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1. Sangeeta Post authorOctober 17, 2013 at 7:17 pm
  
  Thank You so much
  
  Reply
sangeeta October 17, 2013 at 9:22 am

I love owls! I remember picking up different types of handcrafted owls from Kolkata for one of my office colleagues in Mumbai and she used to keep a little one on her desk. But I never bought one for myself. Somehow, I felt it would bring me good luck if someone gifted an owl to me. You can buy me one 🙂 These are too cute!

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1. Sangeeta Post authorOctober 17, 2013 at 7:18 pm
  
  I will get you one when I find them next provided I get to sample your awesome cuisine 🙂
  
  Reply
Tanmayi Gidh October 17, 2013 at 8:32 am

Such beautiful works of art! Would definitely get myself one when I visit Cal! 🙂
Thanks for bringing their art to light!

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1. Sangeeta Post authorOctober 17, 2013 at 7:24 pm
  
  Thanks Tanmayi. They are indeed beautiful.
  
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Life On My Plate October 17, 2013 at 7:42 am

How wonderfully colourful 🙂

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1. Sangeeta Post authorOctober 17, 2013 at 7:18 pm
  
  Thanks Upasna
  
  Reply
vastlycurious.com October 17, 2013 at 7:13 am

How do I acquire an owl? I NEED one : ) (☉v☉)

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1. Sangeeta Post authorOctober 17, 2013 at 7:22 pm
  
  Look out on the trees 🙂
  
  Reply
  1. vastlycurious.com October 18, 2013 at 8:22 pm
    
    I do, I do !
    
    Reply