Wooden Handicrafts

WoThe Hilly area of Himachal has remained isolated from the world for a long time. This isolation has acted as a boon for the region as it has enabled them to have a culture of their own. The vivacious assortments include detailed work of wood, classical embroidery on leather, wonderfully decorative carpets, customary woolen shawls apart from other things. The distinct culture and traditions of the himalayas are evident in its artwork. Weaving, carving, painting, and chiseling – have made a foray into the very essence of Himachal and its culture. The colorful pashminas, exquisite wooden doors, and rhythmic sculptures are all inspired by the natural beauty.
Significance of Wood in State :

• Wood has always been an instrumental element in Himachal. One of the only places where it is used as a basic structural material, Trees like Pine, Cedrus deodara, and wild black mulberry are some of the woods that are in generous quantity in Himachal. Places like Chamba, Kalpa, Kinnaur, Kullu and Tisza are well known for the same. With carved doors, Windows and balcony panels, Wood is undoubtedly the most used material in the village houses. Kinnaur and Kullu exhibit this the best.
• The First temples made of wood date back to as long as the 6th Century AD. They were traced to be in the Brahmaur and Chhatrarhi in Chamba valley of Himachal. Numerous extra temples sculpt in timber lie sprinkled across Himachal. The skill further translates as idols of gods made in wood. They are present both in rural and Urban styles. Useful items carved in wood are often used to decorate Pahari homes –The extent of which exhibits the class and strata of the family.
• Another place famous for utensils made out of wood are the households in Gaddi in Chamba. Brahmaur is also famous for the same. Wooden Utensils are still widely used across Kinnaur. With the coming of nobility in the state, Western and European influences started creeping into the art and soon wood was used to carve out chairs, tables, matchbox, Holders etc. Wood is also a part of the basic Hindu belief as its used for many rituals. Although the craze for wood carving is losing its glitter in the fast westernizing world, In Himachal, The tradition of wood carving is still held in high regard.

Popularity of Woodcraft :

• One can see and realize the importance of wood in Himachali culture through its existence in the old village and rural homes. These wondrous works of arts can also be seen in the valleys of Kinnaur and Kullu.
• The main regions in Himachal Pradesh which are celebrated for wooden arts and crafts are places like Chamba, Kalpa, Tisa, Kinnaur and Kullu. This attractively completed carpentry is noticeable by its exceptional texture and elaborate designs. This renders the wood  a stunning look. Wooden items such as several jars, serving bowls, storage carved idols, candle stands, trays and baskets, jewelry, fruit bowls, photo and mirror frames are some of the famous products in the markets. Chamba is also famous for the boxes that store grains, Known for its animal motifs, These are large in shape and are very popular amongst tourists. Chamba, Chhatrarhi, Rarang, Sapni, Batseri, Shaung, and Bhaba are Villages famous for woodcraft.

In livelihood :

• Having a straight authority on the daily life, The custom of statuette express all the principle and knowledge of manusing easy and simply comprehensible symbols. The three-dimensional art has a unique power to translate the subtlety of the dreamy values by means of position and flexion. Certain symbols are used exclusively to communicate certain ideas, which have linked meaning.
• Apart from this, the beautification of architectural designs and creation of imagery, wood was once used for purposes of furniture, decorative artifacts, utensil, etc. The utensils were carved out of cylinders of wood and then they are further shaped as desired. They were once used for keeping and storing grains and cereals etc.
• Wood was extensively utilized as a substance for the structuring of buildings which made it achievable for the artists to devise a variety of creative designs, which were detailed and polished beneath the impact of different styles with time. The craft of the Pabbar valley and of Himachal in general has been deeply influenced by the nearby states and regions which have deeply formed the ideas and designs of this region. Having said that, The details of the carving has been preserved despite the heavy external influences. The craftsmen basically are well versed with the old technique and love it also they include newer techniques and aesthetics to satisfy the locals.