Village of Painters: Narrative Scrolls from West Bengal by Frank Korom

The Patuas of West Bengal are a traditional artisan cast specializing in the production of painted narrative scrolls and the performance of songs to accompany their unrolling. These artisans have been plying their trade in this region of India at least since the thirteenth century and possibly earlier.

Traditionally the scroll painters wander from village to village, seeking patronage by singing their compositions while unraveling painted scrolls on sacred and secular themes.

A wandering scroll maker entering a town where he will hope to find customers for his songs.

Unfortunately the market is dwindling, and the scroll makers must find other outlets, such as the craft market in Kolkata where people just buy the scrolls and not the songs.