People from the Rathwa tribe in Gujarat create a ritual wall painting as a way of worshipping their gods. To paint is to mirror — and honour — creation. This sophisticated conception of the transformative power of art has been turned into a deceptively simple children’s tale, featuring a fold-out Pithora painting.

People from the Rathwa tribe in Gujarat create a ritual wall painting as a way of worshipping their gods Pithora and Pithori, depicted as horses. The creation of Pithora paintings is considered a form of worship, to keep away ill-luck and invite good fortune. To paint is to mirror — and honour — all that has been created in the universe. This sophisticated conception of the transformative power of art has been rendered into a deceptively simple children’s tale by Rathwa artist Harsingh Hamir.