Tree Matters
Gangu Bai, Gita Wolf and V.Geetha
Tara Books
I’m a tree lover, a lover of India and have an interest in the Bhil culture, so this fascinating book was a winner with me right away.
One of the largest tribal communities in India, the Bhils tend to live in villages set between forest and field, relying less now due to restrictions of access, on the forests for supplying food and firewood than did their ancestors. Their sense of connectedness with the forests remains strong however, despite the fact that some are now city dwellers working in mines and factories. Cleverly titled, Tree Matters sets out to demonstrate through wonderful paintings by Bhil artist Gangu Bai, and her oral narrative that has been edited for the book, by Gita Wolf and V.Geetha, to show just how much they matter to members of her tribe, to the natural world, indeed to the whole country and our planet itself.
There are four main sections Everyday in the Forest; Tree Matters; Guardians and Gods and finally, Trees for Every Occasion. The first focuses on what particular trees have to offer in the way of food for either humans or animals: berries of the Sindi berry tree provide snacks for birds, monkeys and children: beware of the sharp thorns though, and the twigs make good brooms. The Ghondi tree has edible leaves – food for monkeys and humans (and delicious when cooked especially in bud form.) We also learn in this section, how people first began to eat leaves and to distinguish good ones from poisonous kinds.

The second section includes a spread of beautiful tattoo designs based on the Ryan tree…

and another pictorially documenting the birth of Jangal, the son of a friend of the artist.
In Guardians and Gods we learn of a mischievous, demanding jungle spirit; the protective Mother goddess; then there’s the god Kasumer, a fulfiller of wishes and finally, the Great God Badadev. Here he’s shown as a stone beneath a banyan tree.

The final part depicts trees being used for all manner of occasions: the Mango beneath which the bridegroom’s party sits during a wedding reception; the Neem – that plays an important medicinal role with its oil, bitter leaves, and twigs that can be used as toothbrushes …

Then there’s the Khakra tree that plays a central role in tribal life; Mahua is the tree of life whose flowers are used to distil a sacred liquor; the Toddy palm…

the fruits of which are tapped for the sometimes intoxicating, drink and finally, we see a Jamun tree beneath which young girls might congregate following the festival of Holi.
This totally fascinating, absorbing look at many aspects of Bhil life, rendered in traditional tribal style paintings offers much to anyone interested in sustainability, tribal culture, art, the natural environment and much more. Indeed I would love to have each and every one of Gangu Bai’s paintings adorning the walls of my home.

Use your local bookshop