Ascetics Making Bhang c. 1585

Editor: This is "Ascetics Making Bhang," attributed to Basawan. It’s a small drawing, and the figures seem so absorbed in their tasks. What can you tell me about its imagery? Curator: Consider the iconography: ascetics preparing bhang, a cannabis-infused drink, amidst nature. The tree itself becomes a symbolic pillar, grounding the scene in ancient beliefs about nature as a sacred space. What cultural memories might be associated with the act of bhang preparation? Editor: Maybe it reflects rituals around spirituality? It's intriguing how everyday tasks become symbolic. Curator: Precisely. Basawan utilizes the mundane to convey a deeper cultural understanding and reverence. Did you notice the juxtaposition of humans with animals? Editor: I see the dog and monkey now! It feels like a connection between nature and people. I never would have noticed it without you pointing it out! Curator: It is a reminder that everything is connected.