Santhal Pat or Story Scroll, Framed

A crowded little scene of women with bold black outlines, a big bowl, and a row of tiny figures.

This framed pat story scroll is Santhal, from Bihar / Jharkhand, Bihar, India, and dates to the 19th or mid 20th century. It is painted paper. Santhal communities of Bihar, Jharkhand and neighboring regions have a long tradition of storytelling and of scroll painting on paper using natural and mineral colors. Two women stir a large bowl, another stands holding a trident-like object, and rows of small seated people sit below. A border of curls frames it. It is 21.5 inches wide and 27 high.

Plenty happening, and every figure insists on being seen.