Concept

The installation is inspired by the Rabari Tribe – their craft and tattoos.The research included finding the significance of the tattoos in their life, what does it symbolosis and the meaning of symbols tattooed. It is composed in a circular form to portray their pattern of migration. Rabaris march a rough circle via northwestern regions of the country in search of water and fodder. Their camels and other cattle accompany them on their journey throughout the year. They come back to where they started after 10-11 months. Nature is their biggest inspiration, which can be seen in their tattoos. As they live in a tent or under the open sky, stars are their constant companions and their prime inspiration. The innermost circle represents a sky full of stars that are always constant. All the mirrors symbolise stars. The dotted patterns of tattoos can be prominently seen on their body which is depicted here through Bandhani, a dyeing technique used by them. Their tattoo motifs are used in this piece of Bandhani which depict camels, plants and flowers, grains and men/women, the things they admire the most.