17 Jul 2014 Carved Wooden Elephant

The wood carving is one of the earliest and the foremost art of human civilization. Countries across the globe have carved on wood since the human hands became steady. Of all the countries, India has produced marvellous wood carvings since time immemorial. Throughout the great Indian peninsula woodcarving of the most luxurious kind has been continuously produced for many centuries. The ancient Hindu temples were decorated with doors, ceilings and various fittings carved in teak and other woods with patterns of extreme richness and minute elaboration.

Hand Crafted Wooden Elephant

India has abundance of forest and various types of wood species are to be found over there. This helped the artisans from time in the availability of material and also the choice of wood have allowed them to come up with various types of wood art. Wood, particularly costly wood like sandal, sheesham, rosewood and kadamb are used for production of beautiful handicraft items depicting various symbols of Indian rich cultural heritage. Amongst all these types of wood, a reference should also be made to those wonderful sculptures, sandalwood tables, cabinets and boxes to be seen in Southern India, always covered with design, often with scores of figures and monsters with every space filled in with the minutest decoration.

Hand Crafted Wooden Traditional Elephant Chariot

When we talk of Indian wood carving, elephant is something that can never escape our minds. Wood carved elephants are a signature handicraft from India, particularly South India. The trunk up elephants is the most sought after in fact.

Apart from that, there are the chariot elephants. Remember chariots? This hand crafted wooden traditional elephant chariot is replicated on the Indian kings’ (maharajas) chariot, that they had used in the battlefields. So, from the time of Maharajas till to this day, carved wooden elephant is of great décor value to any space, be it homes or offices or malls or any public places.

Wooden Trunk Up Elephant

There is also another type that is really famous, the elephant inside an elephant! This artefact is hand crafted using wood and is widely appreciated for excellent art sculpture craftsmanship.

Traditional Indian design is perfectly carved woodwork showcasing handicraft excellence. The trunk up elephant is the signature showpiece made in India. The ones that are fully hand crafted have the traditional intricate work on its body. Explore Craft Montaz for the most authentic Indian handicraft.

By: Pushpita, a freelance writer on world handicrafts and lifestyle. Pushpita holds a Masters in English literature and is a rich media professional.