Living Marks: An Overview of Motifs and Symbolism in Baiga Tribal Tattooing

Abstract

Tribal tattoos are called as Godna in most of the parts in India. Godna is the cultural identity of Baiga tribe located in Central India, mainly in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Apart from body decoration, these tattoos are symbols of belonging, narrate life stages, and give spiritual protection as per their beliefs.  This research focuses on Baiga tattoo beliefs, its processes, motifs & its meanings based on secondary sources such as research papers, books, visual archives, and documentaries. These tattoo motifs include geometric shapes, symbols from nature and they all carry specific meaning and significance. These tattoo motifs narrate important life events of women such as puberty, marriage, childbirth. This study also discusses motifs and symbolism. Due to education and modernization young generation is avoiding this stringent tattoo process. This paper throws light on importance of godna as cultural heritage, emphasizing need of documentation of its symbolic meanings, aesthetics for future generations.