Preoccupied as we are with the urban ‘recognised’ art world, it often dims our views of ‘peripheral’ art activity. We forget that there exist the ‘other’ artists who work tenuously in their own spheres, in tiny villages and forest homes. Oblivious to the frenetic world of art history, art critics, art politics, art money, their joy lies in the simple creation of utilitarian objects, decorative surfaces, ‘storyboards’ of myths and legends – all of which are in themselves exquisite works of art. Here then, is a small tribute to five gifted artists, who speak for the unknown hundreds.

For historical reasons, in our minds and in the actual practice of western art history, the term ‘master’ has always been used to imply a unique ingenuity or talent, turning individuals into celebrities. In contrast, anonymity has been considered to be the chief characteristic of the artistic ethos of non-western societies.