Previously wooden crafted dolls and toys were meant for local market and, in certain cases, had their basis in the ritual requirement of the people. In modern times, however, the demand for these products mostly rests with their decorative values.

In Darjeeling district, the hill artisans make wooden masks and decorative panels depicting traditional religious sentiments.
The diversification adopted by the ivory carvers of Khagra and Jiaguni to rose and sandal wood due to scarcity of tusk deserves mention.

Normally the tools used by the craftsmen are ordinary carpenter’s tools and carving chisels; and the wood they use are soft and white and is locally available. Excepting a few standard tools, other tools and chisels are made by the local blacksmith according to the specifications prescribed by the artisans.

About one thousand artisan-families are now engaged in the craft in Natungram (Burdwan district). Chandangarh (Hooghly district), and Hatagram and Chatna (Bankura district). There is some concentration of craftsmen in and around Kolkata, most of whom have been engaged in furniture industry now.

Popularity: 27% [?]

The art of wood carving is also a very old craft. Man had restored to wood carving for decorating his home as well as for making dolls and toys for his children to play with. The art of wood carving is a common heritage and is found to exist wherever man lives.

The Sutradharas, the traditional craftsmen of the past centuries, were grouped into 4 categories – kasthakar, Bhaskar, Mrittikar and Chitrakar in terms of profession and they used wood, stone, earth and color for painting as raw materials. The significance of the name Sutradhar lies in the fact that they worked with sutra or thread for measurements in working.

Here we are going to discuss Kasthakar or wood carver who have left their genius in wooden decoration of Rathas (chariot of Gods), finely shaped and delicately carved doors, door frames, brackets, etc. of palaces and temples, which have now become old relics. Images of Gods were also made of wood.

Neem and Bel woods were considered sacred for making such idols and the carvers had to maintain strict austerity during the period they were engaged in the work. Application of color and varnish had no restriction. Carved wooden totemic poles and symbols can be seen even today in the countryside reminding us a tribal heritage.

Wood was and is still being used for carving toys and dolls, which are noted for their vigorous form and elegant simplicity. Kalighat dolls of Kolkata and those of Natungram in Burdwan district deserve special mention.

In Natungram, wood carving has reached a new peak of sculpturesque perfection while maintaining the traditional local flavor. The owl of Natungram has become famous.

Their product also includes images of Gods and legendary figures like Durga, Ravana and others. The specialty in the Natungram carvers lies in the fact that the figures are carved out of a single piece of wood and attempts are made for artistic representation rather than anatomical accuracy. While some distinct forms and shapes have come down from distant past, some new forms have been evolved maintaining the tradition and simplicity.

Popularity: 44% [?]