WOOD CARVING

Wood is probably the most primitive material that was fashioned by man to suit his needs. Among those who turned wood carving into an art ancient Sutradharas, were traditional craftsmen who worked with wood, stone, earth and colour. The superbly carved ancient chariots (rathas), great and delicately carved doors, frames, and brackets in palaces and temples and thrones bear mute testimony to their skill. In the same legacy, woodcarvers of Bengal continue to produce toys and dolls noted for their vigorous form and elegant simplicity. Among the outstanding wood carvings of Bengal are the one-piece owl, deities of Natungram in the Purba Bardhaman district.

Natungram of Purba Bardhaman district craved from one piece of wood are famous for its elegant simplicity and traditional local flavour.The owl of Natungram has become a popular craft of attraction.