The intricate Warli paintings originated around 3000 B.C. and are the signature art form of the Warli tribe located on the border of Gujarat. Warli art painting has been passed down from generation to generation, making it an epitome of the Warli culture.

Warli print was initially done by women of the house on noteworthy occasions and festivals. Used to beautify the home, some paintings were strictly needed as part of rituals for weddings or the birth of a child. The beautifully-executed paintings resemble prehistoric cave paintings, depicting human activities such as hunting, wedding celebrations and agricultural practices. The paintings became famous and popularly known in the 1970s when locals began to use it as a form of artistic expression, with them being done not only on walls but also canvases.

Maharashtrian artists like Jivya Mashe and his sons Balu and Sadashiv have kept the art form and history of Warli paintings alive and relevant across the country.

Warli paintings, as mentioned above, were intricate designs of humans performing everyday tasks and celebrations. However, one can also interpret it as a more straightforward way of life. The people of Warli, till the present day, believe in being environmentally cautious and do not believe in the disruption of nature. They are in harmony with nature, and the same is reflected in their paintings. Most paintings depict natural motifs like birds, flowers and trees.

Popularly known as stick figures, the untrained eye often misses that the actual paintings are not straight lines. The painting often uses crooked lines, dots, circles and triangles. 

Various types of Warli paintings often showcase human and animal figurines hunting, fishing, dancing, farming, fertility, and celebrating festivals with a touch of realism.

A notable Warli print design that is distinct is the ‘Tarpa dance’ - a dance done by Warli men, going around in circles and passing around a trumpet.

A Warli painting earlier paid more attention to the theme than the method. This technique of visual storytelling was formerly done by women on red ochre mud walls with a white paste made by rice paste, gum and water. The original mural paintings were painted with the use of bamboo sticks and twigs.

Post commercialization and greater demand for Warli print, thinner brushes were adapted. The dye used is still more often than not natural with substitutes such as henna. With the help of sophisticated painting tools, the designs have gotten more precise and neater.

Artists now explore more complex themes through these beautiful paintings. Even in the most traditional variations, the simplicity and detail of stories, folk beliefs, customs and culture are seen.