Goa is celebrated for its vibrant art festivals like Serendipity and a rich art community with art schools and galleries. But have you heard of

Kaavi Art?

Kaavi Art, Picture credits: Parnavi Bangar

Kaavi Kale, or Kaavi art, is a traditional mural art form native to Goa. Known for its terracotta-colored intricate patterns against stark white backgrounds, on the inner walls of old temples and churches. 

What made Kaavi art possible was Goa’s abundant laterite stone. Craftsmen ground the Tambadi Mati (laterite dust) into a pigment, which, combined with lime and mud, became the foundation for this art. This tradition flourished in Hindu temples and church interiors, and remnants can still be found in places like the Lady of Rosary Church and the Museum of Christian Art (MOCA).

The process of creating Kaavi art was labor-intensive and required skill.

Walls were first plastered with white shell-based lime, followed by a layer of Kaavi paste. Patterns were then carved into this wet layer, revealing the white plaster beneath.

The artwork was then cured for weeks, with local stones used to tap and polish the surface, increasing its life.

Today, Kaavi art is almost forgotten. Many local craftsmen are no longer familiar with its original techniques. However, efforts to conserve and revive this art are taken and stencil-work is done in some churches to conserve the art form. Organizations like MOCA are conducting workshops to reintroduce Kaavi art to the people. Although modern methods were used in this workshop, they bring much-needed attention to this forgotten tradition.

Next time you visit a Goan church, take a closer look at its walls. You might just find the timeless beauty of Kaavi Kale quietly waiting to tell its story.

The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Picture Credits: Parnavi Bangar

Know more about Kaavi Art.

Know more about Goa and art in Goa.

know more about our projects in Goa or Toybox, Villa in Goa is available for Sale.

At Grounded, we design villas in Goa that embrace the cultural roots of the state. Each of our projects reflects the essence of living in Goa, connecting with the rich heritage and slow, peaceful ‘Sussegad’ lifestyle. You’ll find home objects familiar to Goa in every corner of our designs, from rooster-shaped water jugs to coconut shell spoons and charming terracotta figurines. 

To find these unique artifacts we love to go treasure hunting at the special Friday market of Mapusa in North Goa. A labyrinth of streets, the market is filled with local flavor and vigor. Village ladies travel from all over Goa to sell their wares, local produce, and home-cooked goodies. 

mapusa market, north goa

In the bylanes, there is a section dedicated to the local terracotta pottery only on Fridays. Along with the famous Goan terracotta roof figurines, one can find other lovely pieces of pottery like terracotta wall hangings, Ghumotts (terracotta musical instruments), piggy banks, pots, and a lot more. It is the pinnacle of local arts and crafts. The collection keeps changing as new designs and new pieces are made. Every item is handmade, showcasing craftsmanship and offering a glimpse into the traditional Goan way of life.

Terracotta pottery and figurines

Whether you’re looking for unique Goan home décor or simply want to immerse yourself in retail therapy, this market is a must-visit for finding Goan treasures in North Goa. Everything from local pottery to everyday life is available here in one place. 

Read more about the Mapusa market here. 

Read about the significance of Terracotta Figurines. 

During a recent visit to HH Art Spaces in Aldona, Goa opened in 2014, I saw the ‘Déjà vu’ exhibition, which was a part of a few live performances. This exhibition, photographed by Shivani Gupta, with a focus on performances using masks as props beautifully captured the essence of live performances. The photographs preserved the emotions and energy of the performances, allowing viewers to engage with themes of identity and change even after the live acts ended. One photograph of the exhibit particularly stood out to me, it was Farah Naz Moon’s performance with a green paper sheet.

In this simple piece Called 'How to live together?’, the artist held a large sheet of green paper that moved with her breath and the wind, seemingly merging her with the background. The paper gently covered her face, blurring her identity while locating her presence in the space. Like she was becoming one with her surroundings, not by disappearing but by blending into the context around her.

How to live together?

This reminded me of our architectural practice- Grounded in Goa. When we design villas in Goa, especially with projects that engage with the natural beauty of the land like the House with Three Pavilions and Nivim, we strive for something similar. Architecture that doesn’t dominate but complements. We don’t hide the building behind metaphorical paper sheets, but we design in a way that responds to the environment. 

Spaces that belong

HH Art Spaces

If you're in Goa and love art, be sure to visit HH Art Spaces in Aldona. Located beside a beautiful St. Thomas’ Church with a stunning view, they showcase exhibitions that bring together contemporary art and performance. It's a must-visit for art enthusiasts, young artists, and art collectors looking to explore something unique.

St. Thomas’ Church