Beneath the Green Canopy Exhibition Explores Tuluva Cultural Heritage in Mangaluru
The India Foundation for the Arts (IFA), in partnership with the Rani Abbakka Tulu Museum & Research Centre, has launched a significant cultural exhibition titled "Beneath the Green Canopy: Cultural Heritage of Tuluva Life." This immersive showcase delves deeply into the rich life and cultural practices of the Tulu community through a meticulously curated selection of objects that tell profound stories of tradition and identity.
Exhibition Details and Duration
Scheduled to open on April 11, the exhibition will run for approximately two months, offering visitors an extended opportunity to engage with the heritage of Tulunadu. It traces the complete journey of life in the region, starting from the first ritual bath of a newborn and culminating in the final rites, all illustrated through 10 everyday objects that carry immense cultural significance.
Key Exhibits and Symbolic Elements
The exhibition features a diverse array of artefacts, including a cradle carved from sacred wood, a coconut shell ladle, and various ritual items that reflect the deep-rooted traditions, livelihoods, and ecological knowledge of the Tulu people. A central theme is anchored by the poignant proverb, "The one who planted the tree is gone. The shade remains," which invites audiences to contemplate memory, continuity, and the lived experiences of past generations.
The coconut emerges as a recurring symbolic element throughout the exhibits, serving as a vital thread that connects rituals, sustenance, and daily life in Tulu culture. This highlights how even mundane objects can embody complex cultural narratives.
Curatorial Insights and Objectives
Curated and designed by Madhushree Kamak and Brian D'Souza, the exhibition seamlessly blends anthropological insight with contemporary storytelling. It powerfully demonstrates how objects from everyday life—once commonplace in kitchens, courtyards, and paddy fields—can act as potent carriers of cultural memory.
Madhushree Kamak emphasized that this project represented a significant shift from contemporary art to a focused exploration of everyday cultural artefacts. Meanwhile, Brian D'Souza reflected on the urgency of documenting traditions that are rapidly disappearing and the critical need to reconnect younger generations with their heritage.
Project Background and Support
This exhibition is part of a broader Foundation Project implemented by the India Foundation for the Arts under its Archives and Museums programme. It is conducted in collaboration with the Rani Abbakka Tulu Nadu Museum and has been made possible through generous support from Tata Trusts. This initiative underscores a commitment to preserving and promoting India's diverse cultural legacies.
