Wood Carving | Lacquerware | Kondapalli
Toys
WOOD CARVING  Woodcarving is one
craft that is a part and package of everyone’s life. With the artifacts ranging from
the deity figures to the daily utensils and exquisite furniture, carpenter held an
important place in the social life of the village and was in fact called the Sutradhar or
the "holder of the liner". Articles of marvelous wood carving from Bhongir
speak silently of the artistic excellence.
The origin of woodwork may
be dated way back to the early 6th century. "Brihatsamhita" by
Varahamihira, holds forth about the sanctity of wood, specifying the type and use of
trees. Certain trees are described to be suitable for icons while others better for houses
and buildings. Mention of carpenters is also made in the RigVeda where elaborate
directions as to the seasoning of wood, manner of felling a tree and the making of the
different articles are given.
Woodcarving was once
essentially seen as an adjunct to Architecture in the good olden days of the Kings and
Nawabs. But, it has now turned more commercial with artisans having turned their hand to
the viable options like artifacts, wooden plaques and furniture for urban homes. The
palaces with incredibly carved doors and widows and Jalis (of latticework) may be cited as
manifestations of the craft. Images of Lord Venkateswara are yet another example.
With Red Sanders and other
country woods used as the raw material, the craft is practiced widely in Andhra Pradesh.
Besides musical instruments, idols of mythological significance, wooden balustrades,
arches, even combs and trinkets are also produced. Each work is painstakingly created and
has a story of dedication and perservance, matched and ultimately crowned by the joy of
creation itself. |
