Art Origin
Tribal art in Orissa, state in India is named as "Saura art".
Sauras are among the most ancient of tribes in India and find mention in the Hindu epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Saura paintings are an integral part of the religious ceremonies of the Saura tribals and are found in the southern Odisha districts of Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati and Koraput. These paintings, also called ikons (or ekons) are visually similar to Warli paintings. These paintings draw upon tribal folklore and have ritualistic importance. This painting also shows life style of the tribals like festival, child-birth, harvest, marriage and the construction of a new kachha house.
Raghurajpur is a heritage crafts village in Puri district, known for its master Pattachitra painters.
