ILLUSTRATION & BOOK DESIGN
'Godna' (गोदना – Hindi) tattoo or the practise of tattooing – finds its roots in ancient India in pieces of history documenting life and culture. As diverse are the cultures in India, so are the customs and kinds of tattoos which every community or tribe mark themselves with. These traditional tattoos have played a very significant role in every tribe, symbolising their identity and traditions.
The Problem
The traditional tattoo culture in India has changed significantly, brought about by globalisation and migration of communities. What this precisely indicates is practises that existed and thrived within a close-knit social group are inevitably getting diluted to the point of extinction. Often, tribal Godna is wrongly perceived as unnecessary and degrading, with little social significance thus leading to its slow death. On the other hand, the modern practise of tattoos is perceived as artistic and skilful art form, with personal and individual significance, hence making it a part of popular culture.
The traditional tattoo culture in India has changed significantly, brought about by globalisation and migration of communities. What this precisely indicates is practises that existed and thrived within a close-knit social group are inevitably getting diluted to the point of extinction. Often, tribal Godna is wrongly perceived as unnecessary and degrading, with little social significance thus leading to its slow death. On the other hand, the modern practise of tattoos is perceived as artistic and skilful art form, with personal and individual significance, hence making it a part of popular culture.
The Solution
Unlike many vanishing traditional practises that have little relevance in the modern age, the practise of tattooing has a thriving modern counterpart. This project addresses and bridges an identified gap between traditional and modern tattoo practises in India. It aims at the revitalisation of Godna by placing this traditional practise in a modern context and by raising awareness about the rich socio-cultural significance and tradition of Godna in various Indian tribal communities.
Unlike many vanishing traditional practises that have little relevance in the modern age, the practise of tattooing has a thriving modern counterpart. This project addresses and bridges an identified gap between traditional and modern tattoo practises in India. It aims at the revitalisation of Godna by placing this traditional practise in a modern context and by raising awareness about the rich socio-cultural significance and tradition of Godna in various Indian tribal communities.
The Design
The Illustrated Godna Dictionary is output of the thesis project that presents a visual narrative into the wide array of visual data of Godna. The context in which these visuals exist is equally important and, hence, this dictionary includes the meaning and socio-cultural significance of the various motifs & patterns from Indian tribal communities.
The Illustrated Godna Dictionary is output of the thesis project that presents a visual narrative into the wide array of visual data of Godna. The context in which these visuals exist is equally important and, hence, this dictionary includes the meaning and socio-cultural significance of the various motifs & patterns from Indian tribal communities.
CLIENT: Master's Grad Project, Srishti Institute of Art, Design & Technology
YEAR: 2020
