• Patterns of Life Documentary

Native, Primeval: A Tattoo Documentary

Exploring the roots of Godna and its inherited traditions

Field Research | December 2025
Location: Ambakachar Village, Jashpur District, Chhattisgarh, India

Native, Primeval is a documentary research project exploring Godna, the traditional practice of tattooing, and its cultural significance within indigenous communities. The research began with a desire to understand its origins, the stories behind its symbols, the traditional materials and techniques used, and the knowledge passed down through generations.

During this exploration, I encountered distinctive signs, symbols, and patterns that reflect a unique visual language. These markings are more than body art, they may hold meanings connected to identity, beliefs, traditions, and the cultural memory of the people who carry them.

I found during my research, that many have been already explored in other region, parts of different places, country, so...... I chose to explore this practice in my own native region, seeking to record its stories and understand the knowledge preserved through lived experience and oral traditions. I tried to find out, with limited documented information available. But at a point, the present generation of this practicing, denied to disclose any further of their past and some inclosed information, which might they've stopped practicing continue any.

" For those who carry these marks, they are believed to be signs of good fortune, marks that remain with them even beyond earthly life. "

- Umakant Painkara, Professorship, PhD Researcher in Visual Art , Since 2017 Tattoo

" I practiced Traditional Godna, Handpoke Tattoing, Tebori, Modern Machine Tattooing, in other's skin, & in own. Found nothing, all remain with one language, art of tattooing. "