Santhal Pat or Story Scroll

Reclining figure with red spots stretches out below a stage of three dancers under flags.

This painted pat or story scroll is Santhal, from Bihar / Jharkhand, Bihar, India, and dates to the 19th or mid 20th century. It is painted paper. Scroll paintings are made with natural pigments on paper or cloth, and their scenes are arranged in sequence so that a story can be followed panel by panel. At the top, three figures with masks stand in bays under red pennants above a wavy line of discs. A long figure lies sideways across the lower part while a small attendant leans in. It is 7.6 inches wide and 11.75 deep.

Striking composition, and the flags add to the fun.