08 Sep 2014 Animal Carvings in Different Medium
If you are an admirer of sculptures then you must know that the history of carving has emerged from the remotest age and is the foremost art. The tendency of human nature has always been to ornament every article in use. While decorative motifs and human figurines are quite common in many artisan cultures, the animal figurines are quite uncommon. African countries like Kenya and Asian country like India do carve beautiful animal sculptures on wood, stone and metals.
Hand Carved Wooden Zebra
Throughout the great Indian peninsula carving of the most luxurious kind has been continuously produced for many centuries. The ancient Hindu temples were decorated with huge animal and human figures, big doors to tiny door knobs, ceilings and various fittings carved with patterns of extreme richness and minute elaboration. Most African sculpture was historically in wood. Masks are important elements in the art of many peoples, along with human and animal figures, often highly stylized.
Metal Craft from India- Hand Crafted Deer
In Africa hand carved wooden animal figurines are flawlessly beautiful and realistic. While in India carved animals are very artistic and decorative. Africa is known for its animal figurines on wood and soapstone. In India animal figurines are carved on wood, marble, metal, paper mache etc.
African animal wood carvings are a real treasure for their sheer excellence in carving and fine finesse.
African Wooden Giraffe
From the land of wilderness, Africa, you must get amazing zebras, buffaloes, giraffe, leopards and so on carved on wood. Getting these for your home from the hands of local craftsman are a real joy. Kenya is one of the best places for wood carved sculptures of animals. Apart from wood, handmade soapstone animals from Kisii town, Kenya are another beautiful carving medium.
A Large Hand Carved Soapstone Elephant from Africa
In India, animal wood carvings are done on various mediums like wood, metal, stone, etc, etc. Metal craft or metal casting is a very old and traditional handicraft of India. The figurines and the body work is detailed and perfectly finished on hollow metal through hand carving. The hollow wood carving is also common in wood as well. Marble stone is another great medium for animal sculptures.
Handicraft of Africa- Wooden Buffalo
So, if you are collecting hand carved animal figurines, Craft Montaz have collaboration with authentic Indian and African artisans. You can look through our collection and get the best ones for your office or home décor.
By: Pushpita, a freelance writer on world handicrafts and lifestyle. Pushpita holds a Masters in English literature and is a rich media professional.