Government of India- 1832 views
KUTCH MUD WORK
Lippan Kaam
Small thatched huts, with glittering artwork on their mud walls, are a popular sight as one meanders across the pearly white sands of the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. The origin and history of this Kutch mud work, popularly known as Lippan Kaam, is hard to trace. However, today it has evolved to such an extent that though it was initially created to brighten up the homes of communities who lived in harsh and bleak conditions and environments, it also graces the homes in urban areas across the country because of its uniqueness and aesthetics.
Huts with Lippan Kaam
Bhungas
The Mutwa and Rabari tribes are a part of the nomadic pastoral communities that migrated to Kutch in Gujarat hundreds of years ago. They lived in bhungas that were mud houses, circular in shape to keep the houses cool during the harsh summers. Lippan means ‘clay’ or ‘dung’ in Gujarati and ‘kaam’ is work. Hence Lippan Kaam refers to the mud work that was done on the interior as well as the exterior walls of the circular homes of these tribes. Also known as clay-relief work, traditionally, it was mostly the womenfolk of the tribes who practiced this special art. The women were so well-versed in this art form that they did all the drawings freehand.
The process begins with a dough that is prepared from animal dung and clay or mud that is brought in from the lakes in the Kutch region. This dough is then plastered on the walls. It is believed that this clay work increases the strength of the bhungas and helps keep them cool in summer and warm in winter. First, a border is formed to give it a framed appearance and then motifs are created within this frame. The motifs are usually inspired by everyday life and range from camels, birds, trees, flowers, peacocks, and other nature-inspired motifs. Additionally, deities and symbols that bring prosperity and peace to homes are also creatively designed in this art form. Another feature of Lippan art is the repetitive usage of geometric motifs, which in a way is a reflection of the simplicity behind this artwork. The artwork is then embellished with mirrors and then left to dry. Traditionally mud work or Lippan Kaam required annual maintenance. Now, with a shift to more contemporary materials that are waterproof, sturdier, and odourless, the artwork has become more durable and is passed on securely as an heirloom to future generations.
Initially, Lippan Kaam was created to liven up the harsh and bleak environments of the tribal communities. Over time, this art form has made the circular bhungas so sturdy that they miraculously withstood even the 2001 catastrophic earthquake that shook the state of Gujarat. The resilience of these homes has brought the artisans into the limelight and ensured the revival of the Lippan Kaam. The legacy behind the vibrant culture and tradition of the Kutch region that is inherent in their mud work is now secure and immortal as it is handed down through the generations.
Kutch Mud Work
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