Art Ichol Journal

The Kiln Gods
Bhavan and a very able ceramist himself, took everyone to the Museum of Man and
the Tribal museum. Both places are rich with the history, culture and work of India’s
innumerable tribes and crafts. The visiting potters were impressed and also a trifle
overwhelmed. Mrs. Shampa Shah, their guide in the museums, is also a proficient
ceramist who has done an in-depth study of the Museum of Man. She chose to focus
on the pottery division, narrating interesting folklore throughout the tour.
Apparently it is a common belief throughout India that the very first pot ever created
was made for the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Each region has
its own story about the creation of the world and many are linked to the crafts in
that area. In Manipur, the Meitei tribe believe that the sun, moon, stars, earth and
elements, although in existence, were devoid of life. Their deity Ima Leimren Shibdi
heard a proclamation from the skies to dig clay from the earth, make a pot, fill it with
water and leave it in the northern corner of her house where she should pray to it for
seven days. From this, Lord Sannamahi, the maker of all creation and life on earth,
was born. There were seven suns scorching the earth and he shot down six to reduce
the intensity of heat. He dug out mountains, unearthing water that became rivers and
then life, as we know it, followed. The ‘vessel’ in Manipur signifies the womb from
which God is born, lending insight into primordial societies and the relevance of the
pot and potter in the evolution of mankind.
Once back in Maihar, everyone’s work was removed from the bisque and glazing
began. Working with new clay, no one knew what to expect. Anjani made her famous
Yali, replete with horns and bell, using trinkets and stuff that she bought from the local
market. Inspired by the fish pond at the ceramic centre, Cynthia made her trademark
sculptural work and, a platter with a frog peeking out of a lily pad. Sandra was
prolific in her output, making numerous carved bowls and decorated cups. Anatolii
made clay-reliefs inspired by his sketches of the engravings at Khajuraho. Also in
the Khajurhao style, Genia made two big elephants with patterns adorning them.
Isabelle created large, stand-alone vases incorporating much detail and texture. After
glazing their works the potters took another day’s break at the Panna Tiger Reserve
and were thrilled at their sighting of a tigeress with her cubs.
clay relief by anatolii borodkin
elephant by eugenia loginova