kol tribe

Cast in metal, the male oval face mask of Padu from Amarkantak in Central India is one of the Kol tribes' more prominent decorative works. The Kol people are distinguished by their rich oral traditions and close relationship with forest and agricultural lifestyles, with communities found across various Central Indian states, such as Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. The mould itself has been made through a single casting, embracing the face imprint and its boundary frame in one unison. Padu bears a definite shine of personality with the full beard and moustache capturing all the unequalled realism of his representation. The name and place Amarkantak are inscribed on the upper half of the mould, linking an embodiment of society, a man, and the area he was living in. Face moulds are extremely uncommon among the tribes, and this lends an even greater significance to this piece. There may have been an aspect of commemoration involved, perhaps as a way of honouring Padu as an ancient respected elder or leader of the community. Memory of the ancestors who have gone as an important spiritual consideration in Kol customs is often similarly mentioned through folklore and remembrance objects. Hence this face mould becomes a cultural and emotional anchor whereby the community could have preserved the memory of an important figure. The artefact provides a rare view into the Kol people's survival of intertwining personal identity, history, and plastic art into one, contributing to illustrate a dimension of their impoverished but vivacious cultural heritage.

In the land of hills and forests of central and eastern India, the Kol tribe, being one of the aboriginal communities, has its own rich cultural heritage closely associating itself with the day-to-day traditional habits and craftsmanship. One of the very popular artifacts denoting their artistic trade was the traditional bamboo bow- which was till recently an important instrument for hunting and protection. An excellent piece of this traditional bow is in the Indian Museum, Kolkata. The bow stave is elegantly made from a single strip of bamboo. The design has an overall wider middle and tapers off to the lateral ends ensuring a maximum balance and flexibility. Near either end, two barbs are set at an outward angle, a design element that may have purposefully been included to secure the bowstring in place or to contribute towards the structural strength of the bow. There is also an indication in the middle of the ventral surface by way of a deep groove which was intended either to help guide the arrow or simply to receive the bowstring which would have been resting in it when the bow is drawn. The Kol excel in bamboo work beyond just instruments of war. These items are made using traditional techniques passed through generations, symbols of their intimate link with the environment and cultural practices of the tribe.The Kol's have used such bamboo bows during historic times, including during uprisings against the colonial forces. During the Kol Rebellion of 1831-1832, Kols armed with bows and arrows fought against British troops with modern firearms. The technological disadvantage that the Kols faced represents their true courage to resist colonization and protect their land and way of life. Such artifacts being preserved in museums, like the bamboo bow, testify to the cultural heritage of the Kol tribe and provide an avenue for understanding their indigenous practices and societal values. Indian Museum, Kolkata. (n.d.). Traditional Bamboo Bow of the Kol Tribe [Exhibit Description]. Retrieved from the collections and archives of the Indian Museum, Kolkata.