Decks of Divinity
The circular Ganjifa cards of Odisha are hand-painted by Chitrakar makers and used in traditional games.
Above: Map showing Odisha in eastern India.
Decks of Divinity introduces Odisha's hand-painted circular Ganjifa cards and the Chitrakar makers who produce them. The film shows how these cards are used in traditional games and how their imagery draws on Hindu stories. Ganjifa sets may contain many suits and hundreds of cards, with their subjects varying between traditions.
Ganjifa cards in Odisha, the modern name for Orissa, are associated with the Pattachitra artistic tradition and with Chitrakar communities in Raghurajpur and Paralakhemundi. Some sets draw on the Dashavatara, while others use episodes from Hindu epics or the Navagraha. The cards' subjects and colours vary between traditions.
Makers prepare the cards on a treated surface, binding the cloth with tamarind-seed paste and smoothing it with chalk. They then apply natural pigments before finishing each card with lacquer. The film follows this process from preparation to the finished painting.
Video: Decks of Divinity: The Sacred Art of Odisha's Ganjifa Cards, from the Documentary Series: Living Heritage of South Asia, via ICHCAP.
The video was sent courtesy of Lev Golinkin, with thanks to Roddy Somerville.
References
By Adam Wintle
Thailand • Member since March 15, 1997
Adam has been involved in developing the site as well as reviewing new decks and conducting research. He is particularly interested in innovation, Kickstarter and East Asian cards. He is a member of the IPCS, 52 Plus Joker, and webmaster of the EPCS.
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