Indian Wood Carvings: Traditions and Cultures

Wood carvings can be from traditional styles and floral to abstract or geometrical patterns. Carvings may also vary from cultures. This has been practiced since the earliest civilization by humans. Several methods of carving are utilized like relief carving, chief carving and a lot more.

Introduction

Bird’s eye view: The art of coming up with creative styles in wood by hands with the use of cutting tool more commonly known as wood carving. The fundamental tools used are coping saw, carving knife, veiner, V-Tool, gouge, and a lot more.

Wood chip carving more commonly known as spoon carving incorporates cutting a piece of wood and chipping until certain design emerges. This class of carving mostly showcases geometric patterns, dishes and also furniture. It is not a complicated process however getting good it might take a little bit time and would simply require tons of patience. In the same manner, wood relief carving has been prevalent even in the ancient times. In this class of carving figures or object are carved into a flat piece of wood. The method in this class of carving incorporates taking out of wood so that carved pieces emerges to rise out of the wood itself.

In India, wood carving is a significant thing and has been recognized essentially in the region of Punjab. This classic art has been passed generations through generations by craftsmen specializing in such art. Indian Craftsmen are recognized for a plethora of handicrafts in wood like furniture, decorative panel, spoons, wooden screen, beads, frames, and a lot more.

Old house style with fine carving

Old house style with fine carving

Wood Carving in different places in India

Wood carving is a common but elegant art in all parts of India. Listed below are some of the regions where this art is practiced:

  • Karnataka: This region of India pays attention in sandalwood carving. Several sandalwood idols have had a carved image. Now, sandalwood boxes are also one of the specialties of Karnataka. Sandalwood possesses a unique smell that makes it stand out from other class of wood. The boxes created are mostly covered with mythological scenarios. These are essential items of Mysore, Sagar and Kumta.

  • Kashmir: This Indian region is lined with wood. The ceiling is quite show off of lattice and geometrical styles and pattern. In this region, several wood carved are produced like bowls, furniture and boxes. The Kashmir has a lot of walnut wood, The carvers here decorate wooden panels which are utilized for pillars and ceiling.

  • Kerala: The region of Kerala has the richest traditions in terms of woodcarving.  One can witness beams and carved pillars in each house. Wood Carvers over the region of Kerala perform wonders on sandalwood and rosewood.

  • Assam: This place of India has wide array of forests and is also rich in terms of culture and tradition pertaining to wood works. The worship centers here includes big carvings of mythical creatures such as garuda, lions with Simhasan and hanuman.

  • Tamil Nadu: This Region in India has a good developed tradition of wood carving. This is practically utilized for decorating temples and houses. The wooden Tanjore dolls as well as the Punki wood dolls are popular in this region.

  • Sankheda: This place is located in Gujarat and is one of the most essential ceters of wood carving.

In conclusion

Truly indeed, each region in India has its own style of structures and carving styles.