13/04/2026
being readied for using water based inks. tattoo
The BAdnin: unsung heroins of Baiga tattoo art. The Bādi people, who belong to the Ojha caste, are the largely undocumented and unsung heroines of the art of the folk tattoo. As one of the most prominent Badnin tattooists Mangala Bai Maravi explained, “We have a connection with our ancestors through our profession. The members of our tribe make tattoos on the bodies of other tribes—we are tattooists for all tribes.”In fact, they aren’t just tattooists but are considered the gatekeepers of all the tattoos inscribed on the Gond, the Baiga, the Agaria, the Bhil and the various sub-communities that also get tattooed. However, she goes on to add that, “they prefer to tattoo the Baigas on account of their extensive tattoos, which take longer to inscribe—and hence allows them to earn more money and get more rice and pulses.” The ancestors of the Bādi could be called the foremost graphic designers as they mapped out various tattoo designs and symbols that would go on every part of the body in accordance with the “brief” they might have received from each community related to the respective group’s origin myths, belief systems, folklore and culture. Like a designer today, they not only had to adhere to this brief but also ensure that each group would be viewed distinctly by other communities and enemies, and create pride and unity within the group. This is how contemporary branding works today—as they have both outward (customers and competitors) and inward (employees) aspects to them.
Poster design
