The art of the ceremonial ground and the form of designs used by the tribes reveal the influences of customs in Indian tribal art. The tribals are very much following their ancestral traditions with devotion and sincerity. Even till today, on wall and door, on comb and tobacco-case, the modern tribesman carves geometric and symbolic designs that are very old, going right back to the ancient Indus Valley civilization. Their sociological background compels them to follow the traditional way of life.

Children in tribal communities learn their traditions from their mothers, parents or even society. While growing up, it is transferred to generations. There is a possibility that a lady who has grown up in the tradition of making ritual houses may draw more sharp lines or she may conceptualize a form or she may change the trend of the tradition. It is only because of her individual nature or due to different tendencies or impulses. However acceptance of new ideas is extremely slow.

The art of the ceremonial ground and the form of designs are mostly governed by the laws of the secret grounds and the dictates of the old men. The birth, marriage, death and funeral, their houses, household utensils, dress, ornaments, food and meals are all traditional. The tribes in India have been influenced by certain traditions of the communities who are around them. Hindus are the major neighbouring community. There have been several points of contact between the Hindus of the area and tribal communities living within it.

However, the current art of tribals are very creative and original and has more or less conventional touches. Most of their art activities are due to their tradition and taboos. Their various animistic, pantheistic and anthropomorphic trends have survived in art till today. Widely covered art of well-decoration and tattooing among the Gond and Baiga tribes can be purely attributed to their tradition. The physical conditions of the region play vital role in the life of the tribals. The natural surroundings affect the tribals to create or not to create, directly or indirectly an artistic creation. While talking about tribal material of art one must keep in mind the limited resources of material in its ready-made condition. Materials help an artist to establish his original style. Earthen colours, clay, mud, stones, iron, woods, bamboo, feathers, leaves and bones are the important materials used.