Pattua Singing from Bengal
In Bengal, in the olden days, in order to disseminate the holy stories, folk legends adn perhaps even news of major events, Pattua scrolls were used. Women first painted out … Continue reading
Music of the Desert
The Setting: An abandoned village in ruins – Kuldhara* in the desert outside Jaisalmer. An old man sits alone guard. Maybe he see the mirage of memories attached to this … Continue reading
Soul on Fire – The Passion of a Bhopa
PRELUDE Excerpt from an article* I wrote for Jozan Magazine about the Art of the Phad. The shortest way to describe the Phad is ‘a devotional mural storyboard painted on … Continue reading
Dances of the Dard Aryan People
The morning after we arrived, the village gathered together to arrange a small celebration. After several cups of butter tea and sweet tea with biscuits everyone helped each other to … Continue reading
Dancing to the Drums of Ryukyu
The folk dance of the historical Ryukyu kingdom, traditionally performed before the King & Queen, reenacted on a smaller scale. Many photos have been included of the various steps hoping … Continue reading
The story of the Pattua Painting of Bengal in the Wovensouls Collection
A few months ago, I spotted a piece of vintage folk art and without knowing quite what it was, I acquired it. It was a scroll, about 1 foot wide … Continue reading
Music of the Manganiyar Tribe
The Manganiyars are famous through their shows worldwide titled the Manganiyar Seduction. Presented by international performance companies their music has received a platform it deserves. Awards and acclaim have followed … Continue reading
Antique Java Topeng Masks and Wayang Topeng
Wayang Topeng is an Indonesian dance form that uses masks such as the ones shown below, that evolved in the 16th century. Performances enact Javanese stories about 12th century heroes … Continue reading
Sumazau Folk Dance of Sabah, Borneo
This is a mini photo-essay on the folk dance of Sabah, Borneo, easily one of the most graceful and fluid dances in Asia. Outstretched hands and palms moving up and … Continue reading
